The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Dental Corps) William K. Welker, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at New Georgia, Solomon Islands, on 27 July 1943. Upon learning that a platoon of Engineers had been ambushed by Japanese machine guns and snipers, Captain Welker, Regimental Dentist, immediately organized a volunteer litter-bearing party and personally led them under fire into the ambushed area to safely evacuate all wounded personnel. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.