The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Infantry) Lonnie J. Welch (ASN: 0-5421185), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 189th Assault Helicopter Company in the Republic of Vietnam on 13 March 1968. Captain Welch distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander of a troop carrying helicopter that was called to assist a friendly ground unit in heavy contact with an enemy force west of Kontum. As Captain Welch began his approach to the landing zone with reinforcements on board, he began receiving enemy small arms fire. Breaking off short, he led the gunships suppress the fire. He then made three sorties under intense enemy fire, landing reinforcements and picking up wounded. Captain Welch’s courage and flying skill contributed immeasurably to saving the small friendly element from annihilation. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Infantry) Lonnie J. Welch (ASN: 0-5421185), United States Army, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight, evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 189th Aviation Company, 1st Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Lonnie J. Welch (ASN: 0-5421185), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 189th Aviation Company, 1st Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam on 22 October 1967. First Lieutenant Welch distinguished himself while serving as flight leader of three utility helicopters performing the extraction of a special forces team that was in heavy contact with a numerically superior enemy force. Leading his flight deep into hostile territory, he located the trapped team and immediately saw that the location provided no area large enough to land a helicopter. He chose to attempt the extraction by means of a sling, while hovering over the area. Under intense enemy fire, he maintained a perfectly steady hover until four team members were on his ladder, at which time he made a perfect ascent. Through his courage and personal bravery, he was instrumental in saving the team from near certain annihilation. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.