The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant William J. White (MCSN: 0-49174), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Pilot of a Plane in Marine Observation Squadron SIX (VMO-6) in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 4 May 1952. Piloting a tactical air observer on a patrol mission deep in enemy territory, First Lieutenant White skillfully maneuvered his slow, unarmed aircraft dangerously close to hostile mortar positions, which were inflicting casualties on the patrol, in an effort to distract the enemy and allow the observer to call in counterfire from friendly mortars. Aware that the patrol was still receiving casualties, he requested air support and guided the planes to the area by radio. Braving intense enemy machine gun fire, he carried out repeated passes at extremely low altitude to mark the enemy positions with smoke grenades and continued to control the air strike within range of the heavy enemy fire, thereby greatly aiding in the complete destruction of the hostile positions and in the successful resumption of the patrol. By his superb airmanship, outstanding courage and unwavering devotion to duty, First Lieutenant White served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.