Pearl Harbor survivor, US Navy veteran Floyd Welch passes at 99
According to the report, Mr. Welch was at Pearl Harbor when Battleship Row was bombed by the Japanese. Without hesitation, he helped rescue crewmembers trapped on USS Maryland.
From the article:
The USS Oklahoma was tied up next to the USS Maryland when they were hit with at least nine Japanese torpedoes, capsizing quickly with sailors trapped below deck.
Welch didn’t hesitate to immediately move into action, cutting holes in the USS Oklahoma, by utilizing blueprints to avoid cutting into a fuel void.
Welch’s combat duty was damage control and repair, according to the Courant.
With the help of other sailors, Welch helped pull survivors from the ship. – article
His rate (MOS to you landlubbers) was Electrician’s Mate. There is no reference to his rating (rank) at the time, but he was 20 years old when the bombing took place. He had been setting up equipment for evening activities when the Japs hit Pearl.
The rate badge is below.
Fair winds and following seas, Mr. Welch.
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Fair winds and following seas, Petty Officer Welch.
Second that.
Rest well, PO3 Welch.
Thank you for your courage and service to and for our great nation.
Rest in peace Sir. God bless your family.
Thank you, PO 3 Welch. Rest In Peace.
Godspeed and Farewell PO3 Floyd Welch. May you have a grand re-union with your shipmates. Say Hello and give Fred a Salute from one of the Boys that admired him, back when.
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/macon-ga/fred-johnson-9021184
https://www.bing.com/search?q=fred+johnson+pearl+harbor&PC=U316&FORM=CHROMN
These Gentlemen probably knew one another. Fred Johnson was a tuff, but fair Principle. Much respect for him and he probably mentored PO3 Welch as he did the Boys at Willingham High School.