The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant William D. White (MCSN: 0-55973), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Commander of Company E, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 28 – 29 March 1953. When his rifle company was assigned the hazardous mission of effecting the night relief of a company which had suffered many casualties on a bitterly contested outpost far in advance of the main line of resistance, Second Lieutenant White led his men through a devastating barrage of mortar and artillery fire and over unfamiliar and mine-infested routes to the objective. After effecting the relief in his assigned platoon sector, he immediately proceeded to establish the defense of the strategic position. Despite the increasingly intense enemy mortar and artillery fire, he repeatedly moved from position to position, shouting words of encouragement to his men and assigning fields of fire to cover enemy avenues of approach. Instantly killed by hostile mortar fire during these actions, Second Lieutenant White, by his inspiring leadership, cool courage and resolute determination throughout, contributed materially to the success of his company in repulsing the savage enemy attacks and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.