The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Merle A. Welfare (ASN: 37190269), United States Army, for gallantry in action in northern France while serving with the 90th Infantry Division. On 19 June 1944 a mortar squad commanded by Sergeant Welfare received enemy fire and was rendered inactive. Although himself wounded, Sergeant Welfare remained in command of his squad, assisted in evacuating one wounded man and returned to cover his squad against enemy attack while other men evacuated the wounded. His leadership, courage and devotion to duty were conspicuous and by his gallantry he prevented the wounded from falling into enemy hands.