The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private John B. White (ASN: 39928359), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Manila, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 12 February, 1945. Private White was a member of a rocket launcher team with an infantry company whose advance was halted by heavy machine gun fire from an earthen emplacement. He and his assistant crept forward under fire, a distance of 85 yards in advance of their unit, to within 30 yards of the enemy and, from a partially exposed position, fired 12 shells into the enemy strongpoint, completely destroying it, and enabling his unit to accomplish its mission. 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.