Stephen T. White

The President of the United States takes Pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Stephen T. White, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as Rescue Specialist of an HH-3E helicopter in Southeast Asia on 20 October 1968. On that date, Sergeant White penetrated one of the most heavily defended areas of North Vietnam to attempt the rescue of a downed, seriously injured pilot. After successfully recovering the downed pilot, his own aircraft was destroyed by hostile fire. He and the injured pilot were thrown into the sea and sucked under the rolling helicopter. Sergeant White tenaciously held onto the injured pilot, pulled him to the surface and clear of the helicopter and, despite continuous hostile fire, remained with the helpless pilot and protected him from further injury until their recovery was effected. He unhesitatingly refused his own rescue until assured that the injured pilot was safely aboard the recovery aircraft. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant White has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.