The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Harry Clifford White, Jr. (NSN: 0-85276), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane and Flight Leader in Torpedo Squadron EIGHTY-THREE (VT-83), attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in the Fleet action in the East China Sea, on 7 April 1945. Lieutenant Commander White skillfully and courageously led the squadron in a low-level coordinated torpedo attack against major units of a Task Force of the enemy fleet including a battleship, cruisers and destroyers. During the action he attacked the enemy battleship, in the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, scoring a direct hit with his torpedo which contributed materially to the sinking of the vessel shortly after the attack. Because of the exemplary and aggressive leadership he displayed the remainder of his flight pressed home the torpedo attack with maximum vigor which resulted in the sinking of the enemy battleship. His skill and courage were at all times inspiring and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.