Navy Federal Credit Union

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

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Scouting Squadron 8 (VS-8)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Hornet (CV-8)

    Action Date:

    June 6, 1942

    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 312 (March 1943)

    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.