The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Private First Class William H. White, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 30th Infantry Regiment, in Operation PORTEX, near Isla Vieques, in the Caribbean Sea on 8 March 1950. During the invasion exercises, Private White and his section were aboard a landing craft approaching the beach at Vieques. About 150 yards from the beach, the craft sank, leaving the combat-equipped troops floating. Relief boats were sent immediately to the scene, but because of the excitement and sudden sinking some of the men were unable to discard their equipment. Private White, seeing a soldier in difficulty, swam to him, gave him his life preserver, and assisted him to the nearest rescue boat. Private White’s disregard for personal safety, his initiative, and devotion to duty reflect great credit on himself and the military service.