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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Cavalry) John Clinton Welborn (ASN: 0-18863), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 70th Tank Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Sicily in July and August 1943. When sixteen enemy tanks suddenly attacked and disorganized his battalion while he was preparing an attack, Colonel Welborn commandeered a nearby tank and with utmost calm and skill, rallied his battalion and courageously led a counterattack which completely routed the enemy. Colonel Welborn’s exceptional daring stimulated the morale in his unit. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Welborn, 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.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Cavalry)

    Regiment:

    33d Armored Regiment

    Division:

    3d Armored Division

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 3d Armored Division, General Orders No. 50 (1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Cavalry) John Clinton Welborn (ASN: 0-18863), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 33d Armored Regiment, 3d Armored Division, in action against the enemy in the European Theater of Operations, in 1944 and 1945. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Welborn, 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.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Cavalry)

    Batallion:

    70th Tank Battalion

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    1943 – 1944
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel (Cavalry) John Clinton Welborn (ASN: 0-18863), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, 70th Tank Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, from 1943 to 1944. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant Colonel Wellborn and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Cavalry)

    Batallion:

    70th Tank Battalion

    Regiment:

    6th Armored Group (Separate)

    Division:

    4th Infantry Division (Attached)

    Action Date:

    June 6 & 7, 1944
    Headquarters, FIRST U.S. Army, General Orders No. 35 (July 19, 1944)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Cavalry) John Clinton Welborn (ASN: 0-18863), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 70th Tank Battalion, 6th Armored Group (Separate), attached to the 4th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces during the initial landing of American forces at Utah Beach, Normandy, France, on D-Day, 6 and 7 June 1944. Lieutenant Colonel Welborn’s gallant leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Cavalry)

    Regiment:

    33d Armored Regiment

    Division:

    3d Armored Division

    Action Date:

    1944 – 1945
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Cavalry) John Clinton Welborn, United States Army, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster 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 as Commanding Officer, 33d Armored Regiment, 3d Armored Division, from 1944 to 1945.