The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain David L. White (MCSN: 0-88184), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-TWO (HMM-262), Provisional Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-Nine, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 7 June 1969, Captain White launched as Section Leader of a flight of two transport helicopters assigned to extract a combined Marine reconnaissance team and a reaction force which had sustained several casualties and was still heavily engaged in combat with a large North Vietnamese Army unit. Utilizing a ridgeline to conceal him from the hostile force, he executed his approach and, as he came to a hover over the landing zone, was subjected to intense enemy fire from several positions. While he was attempting to regain altitude, the aircraft sustained crippling damage, following which he executed an emergency landing in an open area on the hillside. Captain White then led his men through intense hostile fire to the Marine position at the top of the hill, armed himself with a captured North Vietnamese Army weapon, and assumed a position along the unit’s defensive perimeter. During the night, fixed wing aircraft were called in to quell enemy movement in the vicinity of the Marine position. The following morning, the entire group commenced an arduous hike through extremely rugged terrain and, for the following three days, Captain White worked tirelessly to assist the casualties, carry the equipment of the wounded Marines and, on the final day, supervise the preparation of a landing zone for the evacuation helicopter. His heroic and determined actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in the safe extraction of the entire group. Captain White’s courageous performance of duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.