The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Cleon B. White, Jr. (MCSN: 831594), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Member of an Assault Rifle Squad of Company K, Third Battalion, Twenty-third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands on 15 June 1944. When the remainder of his squad was withdrawn from an exposed position Private First Class White remained behind with two wounded men who could not be moved. Armed only with a pistol he protected them from infiltrating enemy groups for four hours and dressed their wounds, undoubtedly saving the life of one of the men. By his heroism and devotion to duty, Private First Class White upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.