The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Sergeant Howard Clinton White, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 307th Infantry Regiment, 77th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 20 May 1945. After taking a heavily fortified Japanese position, First Sergeant White’s company was cut off from supplies for two days and repeatedly subjected to savage counterattacks. Casualties reduced the company strength to 31 men. In this valiant stand, which proved to be a deciding factor in the cracking of the Shuri defense line, First Sergeant White displayed undaunted courage and superb leadership in the face of enemy fire. Casualties had reduced the noncommissioned officer strength to two in addition to First Sergeant White, and the company commander and one platoon leader were the only officers remaining in action. First Sergeant White assumed command of the depleted squads, kept them organized, and encouraged the remaining men to hold their ground. While the enemy laid down a heavy mortar barrage in preparation for his seventh counterattack, First Sergeant White left his position in order to observe and relay adjustments of fire to the company commander for transmission to our mortars. From his exposed observation point he effected such accurate fire direction that the counterattack was broken up. First Sergeant White was killed while directing this fire. His gallantry, determination, and aggressive leadership in the face of heavy enemy counterattacks were major factors in enabling his company commander to rally and reorganize the decimated company. The high morale of the group was the direct result of the inspiring example set by First Sergeant White. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Sergeant White, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.