Philip R. White

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Philip R. White (0-6377), Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Section Leader and a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-221), Marine Air Group TWENTY-TWO (MAG-22), Naval Air Station, Midway, during operations of the U.S. Naval and Marine Forces against the invading Japanese Fleet during the Battle of Midway on 4 June 1942. Leading his section in a dauntless and aggressive attack against a vastly superior number of Japanese bomber and fighter planes, Captain White aided in the disruption of enemy plans and lessened the effectiveness of their attack. As a result of his daring tactics, he succeeded in destroying one Navy Aichi Type Dive Bomber, thereby contributing materially to the success of our forces. The courageous leadership and utter disregard for personal safety displayed by Captain White in this attack were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Approved by the Secretary of the Navy on November 10, 1942