White graduated with a bachelor"s degree from 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.
He gained his commission into the Cavalry in 1923 and went on to serve in World World War II and the Korean War. Because of his extensive experience in tank warfare, Armor magazine dubbed him "Mr. Armor" upon his retirement.
Most of White"s career was spent as a troop commander.
Additional assignments for White include Commandant of the Cavalry School and Commandant for the Ground General School in Fort Riley, Kansas. 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 United States forces as an alternative to a nuclear exchange or a war of attrition, as the nation was experiencing in Vietnam at the time.
General White"s numerous awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the World World War II Victory Medal, the Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, and multiple decorations from other nations including of Korea, France, Belgium, Russia, Mexico, and Japan. Army Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Legion of Merit Bronze Star World World War II Victory Medal Korean Service Medal with three bronze stars United States. 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.
