The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) James A. White (ASN: 0-1206347), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 2 October 1944 near ****, Holland. Captain White, Commanding Company E, 2d Battalion, 401st Glider Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, demonstrated outstanding leadership and high courage in an assault upon German positions. After pushing back enemy riflemen, his company came under intense concentrations of automatic weapons fire which pinned down his left platoon. Without a moment’s hesitation, Captain White moved into the open and personally contacted every element of his command with a new plan to overcome the enemy resistance. He displayed a calm confidence in the face of direct rifle and machine gun fire and maneuvered his right platoon into positions which effected the relief of the other platoon. His coolness and efficient leadership inspired his men to emulate his example and successfully execute the task he set for them. His gallantry was in the high traditions of the Airborne Forces of the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) James A. White (ASN: 0-1206347), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 401st Glider Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 19 June 1944 at ****, France. Captain White’s company had been reduced by casualties to one third its strength and he was the sole remaining officer. He reorganized his own and adjacent officer-less company and led them in assault against superior German forces who were supported by tanks, mortars and machine guns. When the attack started, Captain White was the first man who jumped off yelling encouragement to his men. He set the pace for the charge and swept through the town to decisively defeat the enemy and take the battalion objective. His inspiring courage and leadership was emulated by his men. The number of Germans killed in this engagement totaled more than the strength of the company. The exemplary heroism displayed by Captain White under the most disheartening conditions reflects credit upon himself and the Airborne Forces of the United States.