The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Philip P. Welch, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. THOMAS JEFFERSON (APA-30) during the invasion of Sicily in July 1943. He gallantry fought his ship through repeated bombing attacks and effected the landing of embarked troops and equipment with marked efficiency. Upon completion of these operations, he retired from the combat area without damage to his vessel.