The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Frank J. Welch, Jr. (MCSN: 344859), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Rifleman, serving with Company R, Third Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 2 March 1945. When his squad’s advance was help up by an entrenched Japanese automatic weapon which was inflicting severe casualties among the men, Private First Class Welch immediately armed himself with a pistol and, fearlessly risking his life, advanced on the hostile gun position, where he fought the enemy hand to hand until he had disarmed and killed the Japanese. Although mortally wounded later in the day by shrapnel, Private First Class Welch, by his daring initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty contributed immeasurably to the success of his squad’s advance and his valiant conduct throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.