The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Claude Herman Welch (MCSN: 0-7164), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Marine Fighter Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWELVE (VMF-212), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 11 March to 31 July 1951. During this time Lieutenant Colonel Welch’s leadership, devotion to duty, and determined application of his professional skill was responsible for the welding of an efficient fighting team whose mission it was to provide close air support to United States Forces in Korea. Despite heavy enemy ground fire, hazardous terrain, adverse weather conditions and personal and logistical difficulties his squadron completed its assigned mission in an outstanding manner. With a high degree of courage, skill, determination and leadership. Lieutenant Colonel Welch personally led his squadron in combat, and despite heavy enemy ground fire, marginal weather and dangerous terrain he repeatedly, by experienced and skillful observation and inspired flying detected enemy positions, and without regard for his own safety led his squadron in the attack to destroy those positions, thereby making possible the successful prosecution of battle by our ground forces. On one occasion he led his squadron on a twelve-plane strike against the enemy stronghold of Fyongyang as part of a force of 300 planes striking the city and industrial area. Despite intense anti-aircraft fire, he aggressively launched attacks on the squadron’s assigned target destroying the enemy communication center. His courage, devotion to duty and outstanding leadership during the above period so inspired his officers and men that their own performances were outstanding. Lieutenant Colonel Welch’s heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.