The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Cecil Rice Welte (NSN: 0-81345), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. DUNLAP (DD-384), during operations against enemy Japanese-held Wake Island, Marcus Island, Iwo Jima, Chichi Jima, Haba Jima, from 4 September 1944 to 5 January 1945. Skillfully fighting the DUNLAP in the face of close-range enemy fire, Commander Welte directed his ship in inflicting important damage on enemy guns, shore installations, stores and boats without injury to personnel or serious damage to his vessel. Sharing equally with two other destroyers, he led the DUNLAP in the destruction of an enemy destroyer-transport and four landing ships. His aggressiveness and inspiring leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.