The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Private First Class Joseph E. White, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Company C, United States Army Special Forces Training Group (Airborne), on 9 January 1965 while participating in a training airborne operation at Hondo Drop Zone, Hondo Air Force Base, Texas. After Private White had jumped from an aircraft in flight and was being deployed by his parachute, he noticed that the parachutist above him had a collapsed parachute canopy. As the falling parachutist passed him, Private White completely disregarded his own safety, grabbed the malfunctioning canopy, and held on to it until he and his fellow jumper landed safely. Despite the hazards of the additional weight and the possible loss of maneuverability during the descent, he succeeded in an extremely dangerous rescue effort that saved the life of his fellow parachutist. Private White’s prompt action and heroic conduct in this dangerous situation are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.