The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Johnel N. White (MCSN: 2396559), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Assistant Machine Gunner with Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours of 16 June 1968, while participating in Operation Allen Brook, Company B was occupying a defensive position in Quang Nam Province when the Marines were attacked by a large North Vietnamese Army force employing grenades, mortars, small arms and automatic weapons. Reacting instantly, Private First Class White assisted his machine gunner in delivering a heavy volume of fire on the advancing enemy. Ignoring the hostile rounds impacting near him, he fearlessly exposed himself to the intense enemy fire to pinpoint the position from which six North Vietnamese soldiers were delivering effective fire on his comrades. With complete disregard for his own safety, Private First Class White ran across the hazardous terrain and assaulted the enemy, killing two of the attackers and causing the remaining hostile soldiers to flee in panic and confusion. Although seriously wounded during his assault, Private First Class White steadfastly remained in the dangerous position and resolutely continued to deliver accurate fire on the retreating North Vietnamese until he received medical aid and was subsequently evacuated. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his company’s mission. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Private First Class White upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.