The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander Albert Francis White (NSN: 0-62560), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. PATTERSON (DD-392), in the Pacific Ocean Area on 25 August 1943. While serving as a unit of a screening force of destroyers, his ship obtained radar contact with a Japanese submarine. He skillfully maneuvered his ship in darkness to attack the submarine with a series of depth charge attacks, which resulted in a heavy underwater explosion and loss of sonar contact. At dawn, the probable destruction of the submarine was established by a large diesel oil slick which persisted in the area for several days. His keen judgment and professional skill throughout the attack were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander White is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)