Sept. 14, 2011

Fort Lee, Va. - With the memorials and remembrances this past weekend for September 11th, we also remembered to be thankful for the heroes, the soldiers, the survivors, and the families that are still with us today. One of those soldiers is former Fordham baseball player and now 1LT Michael White of the United States Army, who was awarded the Purple Heart at Fort Lee, Virginia on September 9th.

1LT White received the Purple Heart for injuries sustained when his vehicle struck a command detonated IED (Improvised Explosive Device) in the Wardak Province of Afghanistan during a logistic convoy this past Spring.

1LT White was a member of the Rams' baseball team from 2006 through 2008. Upon graduating from Fordham, he enlisted in the United States Army on active duty and attended Officer Candidate School. He was commissioned as a Quartermaster officer in September 2009, and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom X-XI as a gun truck platoon leader.

"It was a great honor to receive the Purple Heart, but I am really accepting it on behalf of all the soldiers and my friends, who gave their lives for the same honor," said 1LT White.

White played for the Rams from 2006-08.

1LT White, who is assigned to the 49th Quartermaster Group out of Fort Lee, deployed with the 109th Quartermaster Company in June 2010 to conduct a yearlong mission of Convoy Security.

White played both first base and catcher at Fordham.

"It was a great deal of responsibility for a 23-year old. I had a platoon of 46 soldiers, and we had the opportunity to run combat missions in a difficult operating environment. It was definitely a life changing experience, and despite how difficult it was at times, I am glad I had the chance to lead soldiers in combat."

1LT White credits some of his success to playing baseball for Fordham.

"Being in a platoon is a lot like being on a baseball team. The amount of time you spend with members of your platoon reminded me a lot of the camaraderie we had being on a baseball team. Everyone contributes to the team, and to the overall success of the team. Just as I continue to stay in touch with many of the guys from the baseball teams I was on, there are guys that I will always remain in contact with from my deployment. There are a lot of great memories that I will always carry with me from college, and from my time in the Army."

For his contributions to Operation Enduring Freedom, 1LT White was also awarded a Bronze Star for Meritorious Service, and a Combat Action Badge.

(below left) White pictured overseas in Afghanistan. (below right) White receives his Purple Heart Award from Major General James L. Hodge, and is flanked by White's grandfather COL(RET) Robert J. Cuthbertson.