Biloxi, Miss. - Combat veterans group plans event for Medal of Honor hero

OFF THE WIRE
PRISCILLA LOEBENBERG
sunherald.com
The Combat Veterans’ Motorcycle Association will honor the service of the late U.S. Army Col. Ira C. Welborn, a Medal of Honor recipient, at the Biloxi National Cemetery on Saturday. Welborn’s descendants will be presented with a wreath, a shadow box and a tile with the hero’s photograph and service record.

The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration presented by the United States to members of the Armed Forces. A Medal of Honor recipient will have risked his life above and beyond the call of duty. Welborn distinguished himself in the Spanish-American War at the Battle of San Juan Hill in Cuba when he “voluntarily left shelter and went, under fire, to the aid of a private of his company who was wounded.”
In World War I, Welborn was made colonel and director of the Tank Corps, where he commanded the young Dwight D. Eisenhower and George S. Patton. After a distinguished career, Welborn retired from the Army in 1932. He died in Gulfport in 1956.

U.S. Army Col. Ira Welborn

The Mississippi Chapter of the Combat Veterans’ Motorcycle Association plans to honor all the Medal of Honor recipients in the state. Association spokesman Sebastian Pellerito said he found out about Welborn earlier this year after reading an article profiling the hero in the Sun Herald.
“Our mission is veterans helping veterans,” Pellerito said.
Association members go to funerals and work with the Patriot Guard. They also meet returning troops, and work closely with wounded warriors.
Pellerito said the group has about 10,000 members nationwide -- all of whom have combat experience. He said that is what distinguishes his group from a club. The members have first-hand knowledge of what it is like to be in combat and they use that knowledge to help others.
Association members will meet in the Edgewater Mall parking lot at 10:30 a.m. At 11:15, the group is scheduled to depart for the cemetery. The service will begin at noon. All are welcome to attend.

Read more: http://www.sunherald.com/2011/11/10/3567763/combat-veterans-group-plans-event.html#ixzz1dVrtfYY3