Criteria The Navy Cross may be awarded to any person who, while serving with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguishes himself in action by extraordinary heroism not justifying an award of the Medal of Honor.... The Navy Cross may be awarded to any person who, while serving with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguishes himself in action by extraordinary heroism not justifying an award of the Medal of Honor. MoreHide
Comments Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Vivian Warren Welch, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the e... Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Vivian Warren Welch, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron TEN (VB-10), embarked from the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), during the engagement with enemy Japanese naval and air forces near the Santa Cruz Islands on 26 October 1942. On that date Lieutenant Welch maintained station over the enemy after sighting a large force of Japanese warships while conducting a search mission of his squadron, thereby furnishing information which enabled our air force to launch an effective attack. On a later date he directed his division of planes in a raid on a Japanese cruiser force, fighting through a bursting wall of antiaircraft fire in order to deliver a vigorous dive-bombing attack. Leading a second assault on the same day, he defied opposition from hostile surface craft and Zero fighters to press home an attack against a large enemy transport, maneuvering in such a manner as to make possible the infliction of heavy damage upon the vessel. Lieutenant Welch's outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 315 (June 1943)
Born: July 27, 1913 at Rifle, Colorado
Home Town: Grand Junction, Colorado
Criteria The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or aft... The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or after December 7, 1941. MoreHide
Description President Franklin Roosevelt authorized the Citation on February 6, 1942, intending it to be awarded in recognition of outstanding performance by a ship, aircraft or other naval or marine unit, agains... President Franklin Roosevelt authorized the Citation on February 6, 1942, intending it to be awarded in recognition of outstanding performance by a ship, aircraft or other naval or marine unit, against any armed enemy of the United States. Enterprise and her men were well qualified, to say the least.
The Citation was presented to Captain Samuel P. Ginder, Enterprise's commanding officer at the time. Ginder later ordered a replica of the Citation painted in six inch high letters on the island for all to enjoy:
For consistently outstanding performance and distinguished achievement during repeated action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific war area, December 7, 1941, to November 15, 1942. Participating in nearly every major carrier engagement in the first year of the war, the Enterprise and her air group, exclusive of far-flung destruction of hostile shore installations throughout the battle area, did sink or damage on her own a total of 35 Japanese vessels and shoot down a total of 185 Japanese aircraft. Her aggressive spirit and superb combat efficiency are fitting tribute to the officers and men who so gallantly established her as an ahead bulwark in the defense of the American nation.
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Criteria The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or,... The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or, an aggregate service of one year within the Continental United States during the same period under the following circumstances: On permanent assignment outside the continental limits of the United States; or, On permanent assignment as a member of a crew of a vessel sailing ocean waters for a period of 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service outside the continental limits of the United States in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non consecutive days; or, For service in active combat against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat; or, For service within the continental limits of the United States for an aggregate period of one year. MoreHide
Criteria The American Defense Service Medal was awarded for service in the Armed Forces between September 8, 1939, and December 7, 1941. Army members had to serve 12 months to be eligible, but Navy and Marine ... The American Defense Service Medal was awarded for service in the Armed Forces between September 8, 1939, and December 7, 1941. Army members had to serve 12 months to be eligible, but Navy and Marine Corps members were eligible based on any length of service. MoreHide