Citation

Corporal James R. White, a member of Company A, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, distinguished himself by heroic achievement 31 August 1950 and 1 September 1950 in the vicinity of Changnyong, Korea. On the night of 31 August 1950 he was a member of his company's rear command group. A strong enemy force came around the left flank of the company and attacked his group from the rear. A defense perimeter was immediately organized. Corporal White, with complete disregard for his personal safety, constantly exposed himself to the intense hostile fire raking the perimeter in order to return the enemy fire. On one occasion, he voluntarily left the safety of his covered position and dashed through the enemy fire to an abandoned jeep. Aided by two comrades, he returned to the perimeter with a .50 caliber machine gun and two automatic rifles, thereby greatly increasing the firepower of the small defensive force and covering all avenues of approach. Although the group was surrounded, he courageously held his ground until, early in the morning of 1 September 1950, orders were received to withdraw. His fearless determination throughout this firefight contributed greatly to the success of the command group in preventing the forward elements of his company from being attacked from the rear. The heroism displayed on this occasion by Corporal White reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.