Birth name Isaac Davis White Name Isaac White Nickname(s) "Mr. Armor" Education Norwich University | Years of service 1923–1961 Rank General | |
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Allegiance United States of America Battles/wars World War II
Korean War Died June 11, 1990, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States Commands held 2nd Ard Division | ||
Service/branch United States Army Battles and wars World War II, Korean War | ||
Isaac Davis White (March 6, 1901 – June 11, 1990) commanded the U.S. Army, Pacific (USARPAC) from July 1957 to March 1961. He gained his commission into the Cavalry in 1923 and went on to serve in World War II and the Korean War. Because of his extensive experience in tank warfare, Armor magazine dubbed him "Mr. Armor" upon his retirement.
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Education
White graduated with a bachelor's degree from Norwich University in 1922. He subsequently earned a Master of Military Science from Norwich in 1951. In 1958 the University of Maryland, College Park awarded him the honorary degree of Doctor of Military Science. His military education included the National War College.
Military career
Most of White's career was spent as a troop commander. His major commands include Commanding General of the 2nd Armored Division in Europe, 1945, and Commanding General of the U.S. Constabulary for the European Command. In the latter stages of the Korean War, he served as Commanding General of X Corps, followed by Commanding General of the Fourth Army in Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Prior to becoming Commanding General for the US Army, Pacific, White served as Commanding General for the Eighth Army in Korea.
Additional assignments for White include Commandant of the Cavalry School and Commandant for the Ground General School in Fort Riley, Kansas. He later served as Deputy Commanding General for the Seventh Army and Chief of Staff for First Army Headquarters, Governors Island, New York. He also served as Commandant for the Armored School. After retirement, White received recognition as a visionary, strategic military thinker with the publication of his book, Alternative to Armageddon—the Peace Potential of Lightning War. Published in 1970, he advocated a quick strike capability for US forces as an alternative to a nuclear exchange or a war of attrition, as the nation was experiencing in Vietnam at the time.
Awards and decorations
General White's numerous awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the World War II Victory Medal, the Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, and multiple decorations from other nations including Korea, France, Belgium, Russia, Mexico, and Japan.
U.S. Route 202, from White's birthplace of Peterborough, New Hampshire, through Jaffrey to the Massachusetts border in Rindge, has been designated the "General I.D. White Highway" in his honor.