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) Thomas J. White (ASN: 0-460461), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 101st Airborne Division. On 4 October 1944 in the vicinity of Opheusden, Holland, he was assigned the duties of liaison officer with a Parachute Infantry Regiment when the enemy launched a strong attack on friendly positions. By Captain White’s skillful direction of effective artillery fire, the attack was repulsed in sufficient time to enable reinforcements to enter and secure the sector. When the enemy launched a stronger, more determined attack, Captain White, located in a forward battalion command post, efficiently coordinated the artillery fire of two battalions on the enemy. Operating under the most hazardous conditions of enemy fire which destroyed his vehicle, two radio sets and the buildings which he occupied, he directed such destructive artillery fire that the advance of the enemy was repelled at every point. When the battle had reached a climax, Captain White brought upon the enemy the fire of one hundred twenty guns which prevented the enemy from making any further attempts to penetrate the area. His actions were in accordance with the military traditions of the United States.