Edward White (Medal of Honor)

Swimming under fire to secure a river crossing

Edward White served as an Army private in Company B, 20th Kansas Volunteer Infantry. On 27 April 1899, at Calumpit on Luzon in the Philippines, he swam the Rio Grande de Pampanga while exposed to enemy fire. He fastened a rope to the occupied trenches on the opposite side. That action enabled U.S. troops to cross the river and drive the opposing force from its fortified position. His Medal of Honor recognized this dangerous contribution during the Philippine-American War, officially designated the Philippine Insurrection in the award record.

Medal of Honor citation

Swam the Rio Grande de Pampanga in the face of the enemy's fire and fastened a rope to the occupied trenches, thereby enabling the crossing of the river and the driving of the enemy from his fortified position.