Major George Welch and 2nd Lieutenant Kenneth Taylor were just two of five American pilots that made it off the ground 75 years ago today, to defend American troops against the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Both men were nominated to receive the Medal of Honor, but were denied because they had taken off without orders. While both men would be awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, we think it would be fitting that both men would be honored with the Medal of Honor, which in part reads, "... in action involving actual conflict with an enemy, distinguish himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty." We hold that both meet the requirements of this award and shouldn't be blamed for taking gallant initiative without orders.
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