Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal Harley Welsh (ASN: US-56099223), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Corporal Welsh distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Chiro-Dong, Korea, on 15 August 1952. On that date, Corporal Welsh’s platoon was ordered to attack and secure an important enemy-held position. Corporal Welch was ordered to lead his squad in an encircling attack from the rear. Upon reaching the base of the objective, Corporal Welch and his squad charged the well-entrenched enemy, throwing grenades and directing accurate and deadly rifle fire into their ranks. When an enemy grenade landed a few feet from his position, Corporal Welch pushed one of his comrades aside, shouted a quick warning to the other members of the squad, and shifted his body to absorb the full impact of the grenade, sacrificing his life to save his companions. The extraordinary heroism and self-sacrifice displayed by Corporal Welsh reflects the highest credit upon himself and is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service.

Awards Received