AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  A-4C

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross posthumously to Commander Clyde R. Welch, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as a pilot in Attack Squadron One Hundred Sixty-Four, embarked in USS ORISKANY (CVA 34), during operations over hostile North Vietnamese territory on 22 October 1966. Meticulously planning the flight path to minimize the strike-group's exposure to the heavy concentration of radar-controlled antiaircraft batteries located to the east and west of the target, Commander Welch distinguished himself in leading a very successful twenty-two plane air-wing strike against the Ha Tou Barracks and Truck Repair Facility. His precise attention to detail in the pre­launch briefing enabled the F8 flak suppressor aircraft to climb at the optimum moment to roll in on the flak sites seconds before the strike group attacked, thereby reducing enemy opposition to light flak. After making his attack, Commander Welch courageously circled the target in order to get an accurate estimate of damage. The strike against this heavily-defended target complex resulted in the total destruction of the truck-repair facility and refueling point and of one flak site. All aircraft returned safely. By his skill, courage and devotion to duty, Commander Welch upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.