The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant David Fife Welch (NSN: 0-97926), United States Navy, for outstanding performance of duty as Executive Officer of the U.S.S. CARTER during an attack on a German submarine on 22 April 1945. When sonar contact was made, Lieutenant Welch, in his capacity as Evaluator in Combat Information Center, supervised the tracking of the target and relayed to the U.S.S. NEAL A SCOTT a continuous flow of information on the submarine’s position and movements in order that the NEAL A SCOTT might establish contact. Following the NEAL A. SCOTT’s attack, Lieutenant Welch continued to provide information, accurate and timely, during the CARTER’s attack, thus greatly assisting the Commanding Officer in delivering an effective and successful attack and materially contributing to the destruction of the enemy submarine. Lieutenant Welch’s actions throughout the attack reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
All Hands (September 1967)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain David Fife Welch (NSN: 0-97926), United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 28 April 1965 to August 1966, as, initially, Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff, J-4), and commencing in December 1965, as Deputy for Special Projects, Assistant Chief of Staff, J-4, U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam.
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Legion of Merit
All Hands (August 1965)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain David Fife Welch (NSN: 0-97926), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant Chief of Staff, Logistics, on the staff of Commander in Chief, U.S. Naval Forces, Europe. Participating as the CINCUSNAVEUR representative in critical studies of European military support installations, Captain Welch provided counsel and effectively presented Navy requirements, enabling the committee members to view the NavEur logistic structure in proper perspective, with resultant recommendations favorable to the U.S. Navy’s best interests. He was instrumental in correcting misconceptions regarding the employment of naval forces, in improving logistic facilities procedures, and in effecting savings to the U.S. of more than $500,000.
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Silver Star
Commander Naval Forces Far East: Serial 7371 (December 15, 1950)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander David Fife Welch (NSN: 0-97926), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of Underwater Demolition Team ONE, a part of the raiding forces in a Special Operations Group of Amphibious Group ONE, Pacific Fleet which conducted a series of successful night demolition raids and beach reconnaissance missions in the coastal waters of enemy-held Korea during the period 12 through 25 August 1950. Lieutenant Commander Welch expertly planned and skillfully organized and trained his Underwater Demolition Team for each of these demolition and beach reconnaissance missions. Under the Landing Force Commander he personally led and directed the night hydrographic survey of three beaches. He conducted his command with skill and courage. Under his determined leadership the surveys were successfully completed despite the fact that on the last night heavy enemy opposition was encountered and the reconnaissance party was forced to withdraw under fire. His leadership, skill, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.