An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | July 10, 2015

Soldier's Medal presented to Massachusetts Guard member for Boston Marathon heroism

By Lt. Col. James Sahady Massachusetts National Guard

BOSTON - Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker awarded the Soldier's Medal to Staff Sgt. Mark Welch, Massachusetts Army National Guard, on Wednesday at the State House.

Baker presented the award to Welch for his actions during the 2013 Boston Marathon when two sequential explosions occurred approximately 100 meters apart at the finish line on Boylston Street.

Welch rushed toward the area despite the risk that more explosions were imminent. Welch rendered assistance to police and first responders and provided medical aid to wounded civilians and established a secure perimeter.

On a day when three people were killed and over 170 wounded; at a time when a third bomb could have reasonably exploded, Welch set himself apart by running toward the danger and doing everything within his power to help those around him. Welch's heroic actions directly contributed to saving the lives of others, while endangering himself. His actions, in the face of danger, exemplified his courage and selfless service.

Baker thanked Welch for his selfless service and stated: "On behalf of the people of Massachusetts, know we admire and appreciate the work that is done every day by the members of the Guard in the commonwealth."

Maj. Gen. L. Scott Rice, the adjutant general, said, "I am honored to be a part of this ceremony and what we have are heroes in our midst who step forward and do the right thing which is what makes Boston Strong."

Three Soldiers from the Massachusetts National Guard have now been awarded the Soldier's Medal for their actions to save lives at the scene of the Boston Marathon bombing: Capt. Steve Fiola, Master Sgt. Bernard Madore and Welch.

Baker awarded Fiola and Madore the Soldier's Medal in April 2013 during the annual Salem Muster for their heroic actions during the Boston Marathon bombing.

 

 

Related Articles
Photo of medical training during a Port Subject Matter Expert Exchange at the Port of Laem Chabang, Thailand, August 20, 2025. (Courtesy Photo)
Washington Guard Continues Strengthening Relationship at Thailand’s Port of Laem Chabang
By Joseph Siemandel, | Sept. 30, 2025
CAMP MURRAY, Wash. - Four members of the Washington National Guard partnered recently with more than 170 employees from the Port of Laem Chabang, Thailand, to continue improving the port’s all-hazard response as part of the...

Leaders and attendees from the Hawai‘i National Guard, Guam National Guard and Armed Forces of the Philippines gather for a group photo during the 25th anniversary celebration of the State Partnership Program between the Hawai‘i National Guard and the AFP at Clark Air Base, Philippines, Sept. 25, 2025. The Hawai‘i Guard and AFP launched the Indo-Pacific’s first State Partnership in 2000, marking 25 years of cooperation in training, disaster response and regional security.
25 Years Strong: Hawai‘i Guard and Philippines Celebrate Enduring Partnership
By Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy, | Sept. 30, 2025
CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines — Cheers, handshakes and shared stories filled the air Sept. 23–25 as the Hawai‘i National Guard and Armed Forces of the Philippines celebrated 25 years of partnership — a bond that has endured...

Oklahoma National Guard leaders and Italian representatives unveil a plaque at the former headquarters of the 45th Infantry Division during WWII in Venafro, Italy, Sept. 8, 2025. A delegation of Oklahoma National Guard members and veterans toured key locations from the 45th Infantry Division’s campaign in Italy against German forces during World War II, continuing the development of the Thunderbird Trail. The initiative is aimed at preserving the Division's role in World War II through a memorial trail tracing its footsteps through Italy, France and Germany, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Danielle Rayon)
Thunderbird Trail: Preserving Sacrifice, Strengthening Connection for Oklahoma Guard
By Sgt. Danielle Rayon, | Sept. 29, 2025
ITALY – Standing among rows of white marble headstones at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial, Soldiers of the Oklahoma National Guard bent to place sand from the beaches of Anzio into the carved names of...