The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Jesse W. Welch (ASN: 42022361), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 24 January 1945, in the vicinity of Bennwihr, France. Technician Fifth Grade Welch was Company Aid Man for Company G, in which capacity he accompanied it in the advance on Hill 216. Having proceeded into a heavily mined field, the company sustained numerous casualties. With utter disregard for his personal safety, Technician Fifth Grade Welch exhibited courageous conduct by going into the mine field, giving first aid and assisting in the evacuation of the wounded. All his actions were carried on under heavy small arms and artillery fire until his own foot was blown off by an exploding Schu-mine. 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.