Colonel LAWRENCE K. WHITE, was granted the Distinguished Service Cross for his extraordinary heroism during the Luzon campaign in the Philippines from the 2nd to the 15th of February 1945. Colonel White, a 1933 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, commanded an infantry regiment in the 37th Infantry Division which was advancing toward Manila. Early in February, when an attack was temporarily halted by determined enemy resistance near Plaridel, he immediately took a position with his assault elements and when a platoon leader was killed, assumed personal command of the platoon. Spurred by his example, his regiment pressed the attack, reduced enemy resistance, and entered the city. While he was directing a crossing of the Pasig River in Manila, an enemy artillery bombardment was concentrated on the area surrounding his observation post. Ordering his subordinate to take cover in the bomb shelter, Colonel White remained at his position and by radio calmly directed the river crossing. A week later, when unable to effect communication with one of his battalions, during an engagement, he went forward under heavy fire from enemy machine guns, made a personal reconnaissance and returned to his headquarters with valuable intelligence. Colonel White’s gallant leadership, complete disregard for danger and indomitable fighting spirit were clearly reflected in his regiment’s success in the operations on Luzon.

Colonel White joined the Legion of Valor in 1963.