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 Citation...
The President of the United States of America, authorized by
Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of
Congress the Medal of Honor to Specialist Kyle J. White,
United States Army.
Specialist Kyle J. White
distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity
at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty
while serving as a radio telephone operator with Company C,
2nd Battalion Airborne, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd
Airborne Brigade during combat operations against an armed
enemy in Nuristan Province, Afghanistan on November 9, 2007.
On that day, Specialist White and his comrades were
returning to Bella Outpost from a shura with Aranas village
elders. As the soldiers traversed a narrow path surrounded
by mountainous, rocky terrain, they were ambushed by enemy
forces from elevated positions. Pinned against a steep
mountain face, Specialist White and his fellow soldiers were
completely exposed to enemy fire. Specialist White returned
fire and was briefly knocked unconscious when a
rocket-propelled grenade impacted near him.
When he
regained consciousness, another round impacted near him,
embedding small pieces of shrapnel in his face. Shaking off
his wounds, Specialist White noticed one of his comrades
lying wounded nearby. Without hesitation, Specialist White
exposed himself to enemy fire in order to reach the soldier
and provide medical aid.
After applying a
tourniquet, Specialist White moved to an injured Marine,
providing aid and comfort until the Marine succumbed to his
wounds. Specialist White then returned to the soldier and
discovered that he had been wounded again. Applying his own
belt as an additional tourniquet, Specialist White was able
to stem the flow of blood and save the soldier's life.
Noticing that his and the other soldiers' radios were
inoperative, Specialist White exposed himself to enemy fire
yet again in order to secure a radio from a deceased
comrade. He then provided information and updates to
friendly forces, allowing precision airstrikes to stifle the
enemy's attack and ultimately permitting medical evacuation
aircraft to rescue him, his fellow soldiers, Marines, and
Afghan army soldiers.
Specialist Kyle J. White.
Extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the
call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of
military service and reflect great credit upon himself,
Company C, 2nd Battalion Airborne, 503rd Infantry Regiment,
173rd Airborne Brigade, and the United States Army.
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