AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  WWII
MODEL:  B-26

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Technical Sergeant John C. Welk for extraordinary achievement while serving as an Engineer-Gunner on a B-26 type aircraft from February 1944 to March 1945. Technical Sergeant Welk flew in the tail gunner’s position on 6 June 1944 while participating in a mission against a road junction in the vicinity of Caon, France. Adverse weather conditions forced his aircraft to an extremely vulnerable altitude, and a defense tower opened fire as the bomb run was commenced. Technical Sergeant Welk, displaying unusual courage in the face of enemy fire, immediately strafed the tower, and the enemy installation ceased firing thus reducing the danger during the bombing run, and the objective was bombed with great effectiveness. The technical knowledge, devotion to duty and efficiency demonstrated by Technical Sergeant Welk throughout this period are exemplary of the highest standards of the Army Air Forces.