The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Armor) Welborn Griffin Dolvin (ASN: 0-21980), United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Commanding Officer of the 89th Medium Tank Battalion, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy near Ipsok, Korea, from 26 to 27 November 1950. On 25 November Colonel Dolvin directed Task Force DOLVIN in an attack north of Ipsok and drove the enemy forces back some five thousand yards. During this attack, he maintained a tactical command post within five hundred yards of the leading elements, and was continually present with his forward units under direct enemy fire. On the night of 25 – 26 November, the enemy forces were heavily reinforced, and his Task Force became part of Task Force WILSON. Task Force WILSON consolidated positions captured with Task Force DOLVIN, but Colonel Dolvin continued to command the lead units of the combined Task Force. During the night of 26 – 27 November, Task Force WILSON was attacked by elements of the 39th Chinese Communist Army in overwhelming strength. The enemy attack was in sufficient strength to envelop Task Force WILSON and reached as far back as the artillery positions. Two enemy battalions attacked to the front, one battalion slashed at the vital Command Post area, and another battalion attacked the reserve battalion of Task Force WILSON some one thousand yards in the rear of the Command Post. Colonel Dolvin personally conducted the fighting against the front line and against the envelopment of the command Post throughout the night. He maneuvered his elements skillfully, encouraged them by personal example and finally stopped the attack against the Command Post at daylight, at which time it had reached within one hundred yards of the area. Shortly after daylight, Task Force WILSON was ordered to withdraw. In order to accomplish this withdrawal without undue loss of men and equipment, it was necessary for Colonel Dolvin to hold the forward positions for eight hours against heavy enemy pressure in order to sustain. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Armor) Welborn Griffin Dolvin (ASN: 0-21980), United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Commanding Officer of the 89th Medium Tank Battalion, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy from 6 to 11 February 1951. During that period, Lieutenant Colonel Dolvin’s Task Force launched a series of determined assaults on strong hostile positions north of Anyang, Korea. On one occasion, when the advance was blocked by a mine field, he advanced through the obstacle, directed its neutralization and led the force forward to renew the attack. Although consistently exposed to heavy enemy fire, he remained with the attack elements and supervised the tactical deployment and fire of the force so effectively that the enemy were driven into a virtual rout. Lieutenant Colonel Dolvin’s calm demeanor, aggressive spirit and unremitting devotion to duty were an inspiration to his men and are in keeping with the high traditions of the United States Army.

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 Lieutenant Colonel (Armor) Welborn Griffin Dolvin (ASN: 0-21980), United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 89th Medium Tank Battalion, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy near Chinju, Korea, during the period 25 September to 29 September 1950. On this date, Colonel Dolvin was placed in command of a task force consisting of a tank and infantry team with supporting service units and assigned the mission of crossing the Nam River in the vicinity of Chinju, Korea, and attacking along the axis of advance to Kunsan. On the morning of 25 September 1950, lead elements of the task force moved out and established contact with another task force which was attacking north toward Chinju. When reports indicated that a bridge was damaged, Colonel Dolvin made a personal reconnaissance to locate a crossing site for heavy equipment. He found a site and directed the crossing. He then led the task force in a rapid advance, repeatedly exposing himself to hostile fire to direct elimination of pockets of enemy resistance. By late in the day of 25 September the entire task force had completed the crossing of the Nam River. On the morning of 26 September 1950, Colonel Dolvin again led the task force in a rapid advance toward the primary objective, negotiating numerous enemy mine fields, strongpoints, and natural barriers. Relentlessly pursuing the retreating foe, the task force continued its advance on 27 September and 28 September 1950, capturing many prisoners and large amounts of enemy material. On 29 September 1950 the task force had successfully completed its mission, having covered one hundred and thirty-eight miles in four days. Throughout the period 25 September to 29 September 1950, Colonel Dolvin, although frequently subjected to hostile fire, remained with the lead elements of the task force by his courage, physical stamina, and leadership. The gallantry displayed by Colonel Dolvin reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.