Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) John L. Welsh (ASN: O-5337999), United States Army, for gallantry in action. First Lieutenant Welsh distinguished himself by exceptional gallantry in the Republic of Vietnam on 9 March 1968, while serving as a platoon leader in Company D, 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 50th Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). On the above date, Company D was occupying a night perimeter defense near Landing Zone LITZ, when it was attacked by a North Vietnamese battalion. The company command track was immediately hit by rocket fire which severely injured the company commander and artillery forward observer. Lieutenant Welsh assumed command and began directing fire of the company. Since the radios on the command track were knocked out, he picked up a PRC-25 radio and began a sweep of the perimeter. He moved across open terrain which was under intense hostile fire and within close proximity to the enemy. He mounted an armored personnel carrier and employed a sixty millimeter machine gun to cut down numerous enemy who were carrying satchel charges to within ten feet of the track vehicles. He then called in medevac and flare helicopters. On numerous occasions, he unhesitatingly exposed himself to intense hostile fire as he directed the action and called in an uninterrupted barrage of artillery fire. When the first medical evacuation ship approached the perimeter it received heavy enemy fire and crashed fifty meters outside of the perimeter. Lieutenant Welsh sent men to the aid of the crew and brought them back to the perimeter before the helicopter exploded. He then coordinated the evacuation of the wounded Throughout the battle. Lieutenant Welsh maintained complete control of the situation and functioned with a high degree of leadership. His firm decisions enabled his company to defeat the enemy. Lieutenant Welsh’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

Awards Received