Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Darrell
Gail
Welch
1918-03-03

–

2015-01-13

Born:

Goldthwaite

, 

Texas

Home:

Goldthwaite

, 

Texas

Buried: 

San Antonio

, 

Texas

Cemetery:

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

In his youth, growing up in rural Texas, Darrell Welch survived being thrown from a horse, a rattlesnake bite, diphtheria, a blow to the head with an ax and the loss his mother by the age of 10. During World War II, he became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down 5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. After the war he transferred to the new U.S. Air Force, and retired in 1970 as a Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    27th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    1st Fighter Group

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) Darrell Gail Welch (ASN: 0-417727), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-38 Fighter Pilot of the 27th Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Mediterranean Theater of Action during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Darrell Gail Welch (ASN: 0-417727), United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States, culminating in 1970. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Welch culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions in the Service of his Country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    27th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    1st Fighter Group

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    September 1, 1942 & April 5, 1943
    Headquarters, Northwest African Strategic Air Force, General Orders No. 15 (June 20, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) Darrell Gail Welch (ASN: 0-417727), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Lightning Fighter Airplane of the 27th Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the North Africa Theater of Operations, in 1942 and 1943. Since 1 September 1942, when he was assigned to combat duty, this officer has flown 61 sorties over enemy-held territory. On 5 April 1943, Captain Welch displayed unusual bravery and keen professional knowledge when he led his squadron on an attack against a superior number of enemy aircraft. Although his plane was damaged by fire from enemy aircraft machine guns and cannon, Captain Welch retained control of his squadron and successfully completed the mission. By his high degree of dependability and courage, Captain Welch has served the armed forces of his country gallantly and well. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Welch, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.