The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Torpedoman’s Mate John Hardin White, United States Navy, for gallantry in action while serving aboard the U.S.S. STURTEVANT (DD-240) when that ship was sunk on 26 April 1942. Realizing that, since communications had been cut off, he would not be able to receive word to abandon ship and, faced with the possibility of further explosions, Chief Torpedoman’s Mate White risked his life and remained on board the sinking vessel to supervise the task of setting all depth charges on “safe.” Since the STURTEVANT was going down in shallow water, his extreme care in checking charges which were set for shallow barrage prevented great loss of life to men on rafts and swimming in the vicinity. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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 Naval Service.