Ira Clinton Welborn

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Second Lieutenant Ira Clinton Welborn, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 2 July 1898, while serving with 9th U.S. Infantry, in action at Santiago, Cuba. Second Lieutenant Welborne voluntarily left shelter and went, under fire, to the aid of a private of his company who was wounded.

General Orders: Date of Issue: June 21, 1899

Action Date: July 2, 1898

Service: Army

Rank: Second Lieutenant

Division: 9th U.S. Infantry

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ira_Clinton_Welborn

Ira Clinton Welborn (February 13, 1874 – July 13, 1956) was a United States Army Colonel who was a recipient of the Medal of Honor for valor in action on July 2, 1898 at Santiago, Cuba.

Early life and Spanish-American War

Ira C. Welborn was born in Mico, Mississippi. He graduated from the United States Military Academy as a member of the class of 1898. Just a few weeks after his graduation from the Academy he was assigned as a 2nd Lieutenant to the 9th Infantry Regiment, to serve in the Spanish-American War. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of San Juan Hill, near Santiago, Cuba, on July 2, 1898, which he received on June 21, 1899.

Later career

Welborn served in three other conflicts: the Philippine-American War, the Boxer Rebellion, and World War I, eventually rising to the rank of Colonel. He served as a Tactical Officer at West Point, 1904 –1906. After the tank was introduced to the battlefield in World War I, Ira Welborn was detailed to be the first head of the fledgling United States Army Tank Service, for which he received the Distinguished Service Medal. He retired from service in 1932.

Personal life

Ira Wellborn died in Gulfport, Mississippi on 13 July 1956. His son, John C. Welborn, also attended West Point, rose to the rank of Colonel, and commanded the United States Army's 33rd Armored Regiment during World War II.