Specialist Kyle J. White is a retired U.S. Army soldier and a recipient of the prestigious Medal of Honor. He earned his award for courageous action during the War on Terror.
Background
White was born and raised in Bonney Lake, Washington, on March 27, 1987. After finishing high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and completed basic training in February of 2006. Immediately after, he attended the United States Army Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia. He would pursue extensive military education and training in air assault, primary leadership, and reconnaissance leadership.
White joined Company C, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade. In 2007, he deployed to Afghanistan, where he would engage in the action that earned him his Medal of Honor.
Medal of Honor Citation
“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, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, 173d 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, similarly 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 soldier’s 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’s 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, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade and the United States Army.” – Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Despite his injuries
Though he was covered in shrapnel, White saw that one of his comrades was lying wounded and exposed, without cover from the relentless enemy fire. With no regard for his own safety, White jumped to his feet and sprinted towards his fellow service member, dodging bullets as he went. He quickly provided first aid, using his belt as a tourniquet to stop the bleeding. The insurgents continued their relentless assault, but White and his teammates held their ground.
The situation was bleak, and White’s radio wasn’t working, leaving him unable to call for backup. Just when all seemed lost, he heard the static of a distant radio coming from a Marine who had fallen in battle. Without hesitation, White sprinted across the valley, braving a hail of enemy fire, to retrieve the radio and make the critical call for air support and an evacuation team.
Specialist White’s bravery and quick thinking saved the lives of several service members that day. Had it not been for his heroic actions, the outcome could have been much worse.
On May 13, 2014, President Barack Obama presented White with his Medal of Honor during a special ceremony at the White House. White remained in the Army until 2011. He now works as a financial analyst in the private sector.
How to support the Medal of Honor mission
- Learn more about the Congressional Medal of Honor Society at cmohs.org or find them on Instagram |Facebook
- Participate in Medal of Honor Day on March 25 by sharing a recipient’s story
- Support veteran hiring and transition programs in your workplace
- Teach younger generations about the values of courage, sacrifice, and service
Medal of Honor Month isn’t just about recognizing history. It’s about keeping the mission alive for the future. Observe Medal of Honor March on We Are The Mighty here.