The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Welton Bernard Bahr (NSN: 0-291129), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a member of a division of carrier-based fighter planes assigned to escort a strike mission against the Japanese Fleet in the Philippine Island area on 25 October 1944. After escorting the torpedo planes safely to the target he unhesitatingly launched a determined rocket and strafing attack against an enemy destroyer in the face of intense and vicious anti-aircraft fire from heavy units of the enemy fleet. His relentless assault, pressed home to low altitude silenced and diverted the anti-aircraft fire to the extent that the torpedo planes were able to carry out their mission. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant, Junior GradeBatallion:
Fighter Squadron 7 (VF-7)Action Date:
October 26, 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Welton Bernard Bahr (NSN: 0-291129), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy while serving as a pilot of a division of four carrier-based fighter planes assigned to an escort and strike mission against the Japanese Fleet in the Philippine Islands area on 26 October 1944. After escorting the torpedo planes safely to the target he joined his division leader in repeated bombing and strafing attacks on an enemy destroyer. His determined attacks, pressed home at low altitude in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, diverted the enemy fire from the torpedo planes he was assigned to protect and enabled them to successfully complete their mission. His coolness, skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.