The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) Lawrence Kermit White (ASN: 0-19241), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, from 1 February to 15 April 1944. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel White and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (Infantry)Regiment:
148th Infantry RegimentDivision:
37th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
February 2 – 15, 1945
Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 125 (May 31, 1945)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 Colonel (Infantry) Lawrence Kermit White (ASN: 0-19241), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces during the Luzon Campaign in the Philippine Islands from 2 to 15 February 1945. Colonel White’s regiment was advancing toward Manila. Early in February, when an attack was temporarily halted by determined enemy resistance near Plaridel, he immediately took a position with his assault elements and when a platoon leader was killed, assumed personal command of the platoon. Spurred by his example, his regiment pressed the attack, reduced enemy resistance, and entered the city. While he was directing a crossing of the Pasig River in Manila, an enemy artillery bombardment was concentrated on the area surrounding his observation post. Ordering his subordinate to take cover in the bomb shelter, Colonel White remained at his position and by radio calmly directed the river crossing. A week later, when unable to effect communication with one of his battalions, during an engagement, he went forward under heavy fire from enemy machine guns, made a personal reconnaissance and returned to his headquarters with valuable intelligence. Colonel White’s gallant leadership, complete disregard for danger and indomitable fighting spirit were clearly reflected in his regiment’s success in the operations on Luzon. Colonel White’s gallant leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 37th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (Infantry)Regiment:
148th Infantry RegimentDivision:
37th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
World War II
Headquarters, 37th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 157 (June 16, 1945)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Lawrence Kermit White (ASN: 0-19241), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 16 and 17 April 1945. When the advance of the Infantry regiment which he commanded was halted by intense enemy fire, Colonel White left his advance observation post, joined the forwardmost elements and took personal command of the situation. Although often exposed to the hostile fire, he so skillfully directed the attack that his regiment advanced 6,000 yards and the Japanese fire was effectively silenced. The next day enemy forces launched a strong tank-supported counterattack against Colonel White’s leading Infantry and armored elements. The situation was perilous and called for immediate, vigorous action. Again leaving the comparative security of his advance observation post, Colonel White hastened to the front, personally directing countermeasures which resulted in the destruction of the attacking enemy tanks and the dispersion of the accompanying Japanese infantry. During the action Colonel White was struck and painfully wounded by hostile machine gun bullets, which fractured his left leg. Refusing to be evacuated until the men who had been wounded beside him were first given attention, Colonel White outlined his final order to the officer succeeding him in command before permitting himself to be removed from the field of battle. 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 Army.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (Infantry)Regiment:
148th Infantry RegimentDivision:
37th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
July 19, 1943 – January 31, 1944
Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 360 (March 7, 1944)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) Lawrence Kermit White (ASN: 0-19241), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States, as Commanding Officer, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action at New Georgia, Solomon Islands, from July 19, 1943 to 31 January 1944. On 1 August 1943, at New Georgia, Colonel White led hastily assembled troops against a Japanese salient which threatened to isolate a regiment from the rest of the division. His swift and decisive action checked the enemy’s plan and ultimately thwarted it. As Chief of Staff to the commander of the task force landing at Vella Lavella on 7 August, he was responsible for the coordination of the entire operation. He led his infantry regiment ashore on Bougainville on 8 November, this being the first Army regiment to join the Marines who had established a beachhead. Throughout these combat operations, Colonel White demonstrated superior courage, ability and judgment. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel White and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.