Isaac D. White

Isaac Davis White (March 6, 1901 – June 11, 1990) commanded the U.S. Army, Pacific (USARPAC) from July 1957 to March 1961. He was commissioned in the cavalry in 1923 and went on to serve in World War II and the Korean War.[2] Because of his extensive experience in tank warfare, Armor magazine dubbed him "Mr. Armor" upon his retirement.

General Isaac D. White
Portrait of Isaac D. White
Birth nameIsaac Davis White
Nickname(s)"Mr. Armor"
BornMarch 6, 1901
Peterborough, New Hampshire, U.S.
DiedJune 11, 1990(1990-06-11) (aged 89)
Lebanon, New Hampshire, U.S.
AllegianceUnited States of America
Service/branch United States Army
Years of service1923–1961[1]
Rank General
Commands held2nd Armored Division
U.S. Constabulary
X Corps
Fourth United States Army
Eighth United States Army
U.S. Army, Pacific
Battles/warsWorld War II
Korean War
AwardsDistinguished Service Medal
Silver Star
Legion of Merit
Bronze Star
Others
Other workMilitary science author

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 United States 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 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 of 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, Philippines, 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.

References
  1. Fowler, Glenn (June 14, 1990). "I. D. White, World War II Commander, Dies at 89". New York Times.
  2. https://www.%22Isaac+White,+general+who+led+tank+drives%22.+Chicago+Tribune.+June+15,+1990.+p.61.+Retrieved+December+9,+2019.
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