JOHN WELCH

1919 - 2017

John Welch, born in Savannah, Tennessee on August 17, 1919, passed away in El Paso, TX on Monday, June 5, 2017 at the age of 97. John made El Paso his beloved home for over 60 years. He worked at White Sands Missile Range retiring in 1983, then acquired property of which he personally managed even into his 90s. John will be remembered most for his commendable military career. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1939 and was assigned to the 66th Infantry (Light Tanks) at Fort Benning, GA. Within 3 years he was selected to attend Officer Candidate School in Fort Knox, KY, becoming Tank Commander for the 13th Armored Division (Black Cats) during WWII in Europe. Later as Commander for Company A of the 45th Tank Battalion under General George Patton, he led his battalion in the final drive across the Danube River, deep into Southern Germany. During the Korean War in the 2nd Infantry Division as Rifle Company Commander, he was stunned by a 120-mm white phosphorous mortar round acquiring burns and shrapnel to his back. As the seasoned officer, he delayed his transfer to the MASH unit until all the men in his division were transported first. With his next promotion, Major Welch served on faculty at the Armored School in Fort Knox, KY, then was later assigned to Headquarters 1st Infantry Division in Germany. After retiring as Lieutenant Colonel Welch in 1960, he served as Chief Warrant Officer Four(CW4) in the Reserves for five years and retired again in 1965 for a total of 26 honorable years of military service. His military service awards include: Bronze Star with V device, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal (1OCL), European Theater Ribbon with 3 Battle Stars and the Korean Theater Ribbon with 3 Battle Stars. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Alice Portillo Welch. He was father to 9 children and their spouses, grandfather to 11 grandchildren and great grandfather to 10 great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life was held on Friday, 6/9/17 in El Paso. A future celebration will take place in Savannah, TN, his final resting place. He will be missed dearly.