The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Wellington T. Urch (ASN: 16175758), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 17 March 1945, in the vicinity of Ensheim, Germany, On duty at a forward observation post when the enemy launched an attack on the company’s positions, Private First Class Urch engaged the oncoming enemy, exposing himself to automatic weapons fire. Private First Class Urch left the safety of his trench and crawled to a trench occupied by the enemy, firing a bazooka and hurling hand grenades into it, inflicting many casualties, and disorganizing the enemy. While under the withering fire, Private First Class Urch was painfully wounded, but continued his mission and provided the necessary protection for the company’s left flank. Private First Class Urch’s magnificent courage and outstanding gallantry under fire reflect the highest credit upon himself and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.