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David
Charles
White
November 13, 1903

–

March 19, 1990

David White graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1927. He retired as a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Plunger (SS-179)

    Action Date:

    December 13, 1941 – February 3, 1942
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 31

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander David Charles White (NSN: 0-61575), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. PLUNGER (SS-179) during a successful and aggressive submarine patrol in enemy Japanese controlled waters during the period 13 December 1941 to 3 February 1942. He, by his skill and aggressiveness succeeded in sinking one enemy destroyer of 1,315 tons and damaging another destroyer of the same size. Despite enemy counter efforts, he handled his boat in such a manner that he brought it through without damage, and his crew home without loss or injury. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Cero (SS-225)

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 01489 (April 18, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander David Charles White (NSN: 0-61575), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. CERO (SS-225) during a War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy-controlled waters during World War II. By his courage, skill and determination he delivered torpedo and gun attacks against heavily escorted enemy vessels, resulting in sinking of an enemy freighter of over 5,000 tons and damaging of four enemy vessels totaling over 33,000 tons. Despite enemy counter-measures, his persistent efforts in carrying out his assigned mission as a unit of a coordinated attack brought excellent results. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Plunger (SS-179)

    Action Date:

    December 13, 1941 – February 3, 1942
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 302 (May 1942)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander David Charles White (NSN: 0-61575), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. PLUNGER (SS-179), during the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine during the period 13 December 1941 to 3 February 1942, in his own and in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. Despite intensive enemy air and surface anti-submarine patrols, Lieutenant Commander White successfully attacked and sank an enemy vessel of 7,000 tons. During the period of this patrol a total of twenty-four depth charges were dropped around and near U.S.S. PLUNGER. In spite of this, Lieutenant Commander White’s assignment was completed without damage to his submarine or injury to the personnel under his command. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Plunger (SS-179)

    Action Date:

    June 5 – July 15, 1942
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 315 (June 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander David Charles White (NSN: 0-61575), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. PLUNGER (SS-179), on the SECOND War Patrol of that submarine during the period 5 June 1942 to 15 July 1942, in offensive action against Japanese forces in enemy controlled waters of the East China Sea. Availing himself of every attack opportunity while conducting hazardous submarine patrol operations in enemy-controlled waters, Lieutenant Commander White followed a persistently aggressive course and succeeded in sinking a total of 18,000 tons of enemy shipping, and, in addition, inflicted severe damage on a total of 10,000 tons without injury or damage to material or personnel of his command. In the superb handling of his vessel and in his gallant and intrepid leadership, Lieutenant Commander White sustained and enhanced the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.