The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Varian Kiefer White (ASN: 0-407132), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as a Pilot with the 5th Interceptor Command, Far East Air Force, in action in the vicinity of Algoma Bay, Bataan, Philippine Islands, on the night of 1 – 2 February 1942. When report of an attempted enemy landing force was received, Lieutenant White took off individually for the area of the reported landing attempt, and proceeded to bomb and heavily strafe, returning to his base to replenish his ammunition supply after each attack. The skill and determination of Lieutenant White may be attested by the success of the attack. Several enemy landing barges were destroyed, and so many casualties inflicted that the landing attempt was repulsed. Furthermore, all airplanes and pilots returned to safety to their bases after completion of the mission. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Second Lieutenant White, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.