The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Seaman Second Class Virgil Allen White, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in successfully extricating a woman passenger from a burning stage bus, the interior of which was entirely filled with flames resulting from an explosion, near San Clemente, California, at 3:00 a.m. on 5 February 1931. Escape was possible from only one side, through a broken window. Seaman White disregarded his chance of escape to rescue the woman trapped in the middle of the overturned bus. While the stage was burning, Seaman White, without regard for his own safety, assisted in removing a woman passenger from the wreck, and suffered burns from the results of which he lost his life. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.