The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade John Daniel Welsh (NSN: 0-315362), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron EIGHTY FOUR (VB-84), attached to the U.S.S. BUNKER HILL (CV-17), in the strike on Kure Harbor on 19 March 1945. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Welsh skillfully and courageously piloted his aircraft in a coordinated bombing attack against major units of the enemy fleet, including aircraft carriers, battleships, cruisers and destroyers. During the action he attacked an enemy battleship, in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire from ship and shore guns, scoring at least one direct hit with his bombs which caused extensive damage. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.