Senator Reed presented posthumous medals to the family of John Joseph Welch, a Pawtucket native and World War II veteran who earned medals for his service but never received them during his lifetime. Sons John and Andrew Welch accepted multiple medals on their father’s behalf, including the: Army Air Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with a Bronze Service Star, War II Victory Medal, and Service Lapel Button WWII. Born in Pawtucket on July 3, 1920, Mr. Welch served in the U.S. Army Air Corp from 1942-1945 and was stationed in New Guinea. He served on the flight crew of a B-17 and B-24 in bombing missions over Japan in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Mr. Welch passed away in 1970 at the age of 50.
