🇺🇲 WWII uncovered: The Unstoppable Major William Gail White: Recipient of Nine Purple Heart Medals During WWII
While attending high school in Bakersfield, California, William White participated in the summer program of the Citizens Military Training Camp being recognized as an honor trainee each year. After graduation in 1929 William was designated as a member Ninth Corps Area CMTG Rifle team for competition in the National Rifle Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio. White had also been recommended for a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Officers Reserve Corps but being under age for a commission he would have to serve two years in the Enlisted Reserve Corps before becoming eligible. White began San Jose State Teachers College in January, 1930 however he dropped out at the end of his first quarter. A week later he enlisted in the US Marine Corps. By June of 1930 William White reported for duty as a member of the Marine Detachment of the USS West Virginia.
After 11 years of service William left the Marine Corps and went to work for Shell Oil Company. In the late summer of 1941 White left his job and reenlisted only this time but the US Army. Private William White became part of the 32nd Infantry Regiment of the 7th Division which was stationed at Fort Ord, California.
"After several commissions and reassignments through the Army Replacement System, White was transferred to the 83rd Infantry Division where he was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 330th Infantry Regiment as Battalion Executive. After two days he was on his way to France with the foot elements of a Battalion HQ Company and a Rifle Company. When the Division was finally together again they were moved into the line to relieve the 101st Airborne Division at Carentan, Normandy, France, toward the later part of June, 1944."
From 4-7 July Executive Officer White dug in with the troops to face a German opposition. He would be wounded, several times, but he did not stop. During that four day period White was wounded on six separate occasions and was ultimately captured by the Germans. William White not only escaped but managed to take 14 other American prisoners with him. Resulting from his sixth injury to his arm - White spent time in various Army hospitals following a complicated surgery and rehabilitation. He was not done. William would earn the Silver Star for his efforts on 7 July.
On 10 December 1944 Major White would be awarded an Oak Leaf cluster to his Silver Star for his incredible Valor and leadership during combat in Strass, Germany. On this day White personally eliminated three enemy machine guns and their crews. He then destroyed two Mark IV tanks, two self-propelled guns, and captured 31 prisoners of war. During the battle, he was critically wounded. Once again though Major White would return to combat.
An injury at Elbe River in Germany would be the 9th and final Purple Heart award for Major William Gail White during World War II. Once again William was not done. During combat during the Korean War William White was wounded again. This would be his 10th and final Purple Heart acknowledgment. He retired from service with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Lieutenant Colonel William Gail White passed away on 6 April 1985 at the age of 74 years old. He lies in rest at Maplewood Cemetery in Kinston North Carolina. Lest We Forget.
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