BRONZE STAR.
T-5 Francis H. Welsh, son of Mrs. Martha Welsh of this city, has been awarded the bronze star for heroic action on Leyte island, Dec. 6, according to word received here. Technician, Welsh, who has been in service since April, 1944, was especially commended by his commander, Major D. R. Alexander, field artillery officer. The citation said in part:
“I wish to commend you for your courageous actions in connection with military operations against the enemy on Leyte island, Dec. 6, 1944. Your actions in going to the aid of another organization under heavy attack by the Japs contribute greatly to the fine spirit of cooperation in the U.S. army today.
“You displayed courage, skill and determination in going for additional help, getting arms and ammunition and very materially supporting the organization under attack. These actions reflect great credit upon yourself, your battery and the military service.”
Source: Webster City Freeman Journal, March 15, 1945
Francis Harold ‘Frank’ Welsh was born Aug. 28, 1919 to Robert Emmett and Martha Helene Butzin Welsh. He died May 15, 1997 and is buried in the Blairsburg Cemetery, Blairsburg, IA.
Sgt. Welsh served in World War II with the 12th Field Artillery Regiment, 96th Infantry Division. He was awarded the Bronze Star for heroic action on Leyte Island.
His Obituary: Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, IA - May 21, 1977
Frank H. Welsh, 77, Blairsburg, died Thursday, May 15, 1997 at Mary Greeley Medical Center, Ames. Funeral services were held Monday at the United Church of Christ - Congregational in Blairsburg, with Rev. John Wilson officiating. Burial was in the Blairsburg Cemetery. Graveside military rites were conducted by American Legion Post #191.
Francis Harold Welsh, son of Robert and Martha (Butzin) Welsh, was born August 28, 1919 at Webster City. He attended Webster City schools. From 1943 to 1946, he served with the U.S. Army, 96th Infantry Division in the Pacific Theatre of Action. On Sept. 16, 1948, he married Viora Stoppelmoor at Fort Dodge. The couple resided in Webster City, where he did agricultural custom work. He started farming in 1951, northwest of Blairsburg. He retired in 1986, and moved to Blairsburg in 1989.
He is survived by his wife; son and daughter-in-law, Patrick and Cheryl Welsh, Sugar Land, Texas; daughters and sons-in-law, Glenda and Steve Robertson Delhi, and Marcia and Doug Rebhuhn, Storm Lake; nine grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; a brother, Maurice Welsh, Auxvasse, Mo.; two sisters, Margaret Powell, Fort Dodge, and Deloris Robb, Hallsville, Mo.; two sisters-in-law, Sherry Welsh, Webster City, and Etta Welsh, Cameron, Mo; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Walter and Lloyd (Al) Welsh.
Mr. Welsh was a member of the United Church of Christ - Congregational, a former board of trustees member of his church, and former Northeast Hamilton School Board member. He served as church usher for many years, and was a member of American Legion Post #191, and I.O.O.F. of Webster City.
Source: Personal files of Allen Welsh, Hamilton Heritage Hunters
