Ensign White survived the Air Battle of Midway, but was subsequently Killed in Action during a later mission.

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Ensign White survived the Air Battle of Midway, but was subsequently Killed in Action during a later mission.

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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Harold White, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane of Scouting Squadron EIGHT (VS-8), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-8), during the “Air Battle of Midway,” against enemy Japanese forces on 6 June 1942. With utter disregard for his own personal safety and in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, Ensign White participated in determined and effective bombing and strafing attacks on fleeing enemy Japanese forces, obtaining a successful hit on one of the enemy cruisers. His courageous action on this occasion contributed materially to the success obtained by our forces and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.