Dimmitt K. White Papers

Collection

Identifier: 000070

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Dimmitt K. White Papers consist of documents and photographs that share the experiences of Sergeant Dimmitt K. White during World War II in the Pacific. The collection provides information about Dimmitt K. White's military service and personal life, with a primary focus on his experiences with the 1st Cavalry Division during the war. It includes photographs showing military leadership, unit activities, combat situations, naval operations, daily life among servicemen, and interactions with civilians and local populations in the Pacific. Additionally, there are materials related to the U.S. Navy, including images from the USS Rockingham (APA-229).

In addition to photographs, the collection includes military and personal records such as pay records, orders, rosters, wartime biography, and documentation of White’s injury. Printed materials, such as newsletters, newspapers, pamphlets, and a Victory Pack, illustrate military life and the transition to civilian status. The collection also features personal items, including educational records, a pocket Bible, a hymnal, handwritten notes, and ephemera, as well as materials related to Japanese subjects and souvenir items. Together, these materials offer a thorough view of White’s military service and broader wartime experiences.

Dates

Creation: 1931 - 1945
Creation: 1972

Creator

White, Dimmitt Kahal, 1922-1978 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish material from this collection in any form must be obtained from the National Museum of the Pacific War, Center for Pacific War Studies.

Biographical / Historical

Dimmitt K. White (March 3, 1922- May 12, 1978) was from Georgetown, Texas to John and Vada White and was the oldest of five children. Before World War II, White attended Georgetown High School and worked on his father’s ranch. He joined the United States Army in 1942 and completed basic training at Fort Reginold, Texas. As a Sergeant, White was part of the 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Bliss, Texas, and began his overseas service in 1943. Sgt. White participated in the Admiralty Island Campaign, where he was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge. He also took part in the liberation of the Philippines in October 1944, where he was awarded the Silver Star. After the war, Sgt. White married Viola “Amelda” Johnson White.

Extent

0.50 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Dimmitt K. White Papers detail Dimmitt K. White's service during World War II, including photographs of military and naval life, personal and military records, and printed materials related to the 1st Cavalry Division, as well as items reflecting his prewar and postwar experiences.

Arrangement

This collection consists of one banker's box and one oversized box, divided into three series:

Series I: 1st Cavalry Division Series II: Personal Records and Documents Series III: Military Service Documents

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Ronald R. White donated these materials to the Texas Historical Commission in 2019 (Accession Number 2019.138).

Separated Materials

3D artifacts have been separated from this collection, including military pins, patches, and office supplies. Contact the archivist for further information.