The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Staff Sergeant Jack Edward White, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action. Staff Sergeant White distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Squad Leader with Company A, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 503d Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade, during combat operations against an armed enemy in Khost Province, Afghanistan, on 29 June 2008. That night, Staff Sergeant White’s nineteen-man observation post was assaulted by a 105-man Anti-Afghanistan Force employing rocket-propelled grenades and coordinated small arms fire. As the attack commenced, Staff Sergeant White was awoken by a rocket-propelled grenade impacting less than 20 meters from his position. He immediately low-crawled out of the sleeping area in order to lead the observation post’s defense. Maneuvering through heavy enemy fire, Staff Sergeant White quickly adjusted his men to repel the brunt of the attacking force. With no regard for his own safety, he worked his way from Soldier to Soldier in order to interlock all fires and mark targets, all while engaging and being engaged by the enemy. He ordered multiple danger-close fire missions through his forward observer and incorporated lethal mortar and artillery fire on the enemy elements. His leadership and fearless tactical maneuvering allowed his men to interdict all attacking forces attempting to overrun their position, ultimately leading the enemy to break contact and retreat. Staff Sergeant White’s selfless leadership, courageous actions, and extraordinary devotion to duty are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, and the United States Army.