The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant William F. Welsh (ASN: 32083765), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 18 March 1945, in the vicinity of Ensheim, Germany. When the enemy launched a strong counterattack, the squad leader was hit, and Sergeant Welsh took command of the squad. The attack was intense, and Sergeant Welsh’s machine gun was soon out of ammunition. Sending a bearer back after more, he entered a captured pillbox and returned with an enemy machine gun which he fired until it became overheated and jammed. Sergeant Welsh then switched to his own gun, which had been replenished with ammunition, and fired until the counterattack was repulsed. This courage, initiative, and refusal to withdraw on the part of Sergeant Welsh reflect credit upon himself and on the Armed Forces of the United States.