David Charles White

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to David Charles White, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. PLUNGER (SS-179), on the SECOND War Patrol of that submarine during the period 5 June 1942 to 15 July 1942, in offensive action against Japanese forces in enemy controlled waters of the East China Sea. Availing himself of every attack opportunity while conducting hazardous submarine patrol operations in enemy-controlled waters, Lieutenant Commander White followed a persistently aggressive course and succeeded in sinking a total of 18,000 tons of enemy shipping, and, in addition, inflicted severe damage on a total of 10,000 tons without injury or damage to material or personnel of his command. In the superb handling of his vessel and in his gallant and intrepid leadership, Lieutenant Commander White sustained and enhanced the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 315 (June 1943)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to David Charles White, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. PLUNGER (SS-179), during the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine during the period 13 December 1941 to 3 February 1942, in his own and in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. Despite intensive enemy air and surface anti- submarine patrols, Lieutenant Commander White successfully attacked and sank an enemy vessel of 17,000 tons. During the period of this patrol a total of twenty-four depth charges were dropped around and near U.S.S. PLUNGER. In spite of this, Lieutenant Commander White’s assignment was completed without damage to his submarine or injury to the personnel under his command. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 302 (May 1942)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Army Award) to David Charles White, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. PLUNGER (SS-179) during a successful and aggressive submarine patrol in enemy Japanese controlled waters during the period 13 December 1941 to 3 February 1942. Skillfully and courageously pressing home his attacks against the enemy, Lieutenant Commander White enabled his ship to sink one enemy destroyer of 1,315 tons and to damage another of approximately the same size. Despite enemy counter efforts, he dauntlessly brought the PLUNGER through without damage and his crew home without loss or injury. His expert seamanship and heroic devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.