Scope and Content Note
The papers of Thomas Dresser White (1901-1965) span the years 1952-1961, with the bulk of the material from 1957 to 1961. The collection consists of correspondence, speeches, statements, reports, cables, reading files, mail logs, appointment material, and related matter. Copies of White's speeches and statements, in typescript and printed form, are also in the collection. The papers are organized into the following series: Personal Correspondence , Chief of Staff Files , Speeches and Statements , Classified , Top Secret , Restricted Data (Classified) , Restricted Data (Top Secret) , and North Atlantic Treaty Organization .
The papers illustrate the functions of the Office of Chief of Staff, United States Air Force, and the Air Force administrative functions brought to the attention of the chief of staff. The collection also reflects the changing role of the chief of staff. Originally head of the Air Force, the chief of staff over the years became more occupied with his duties as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The speeches and statements made by White are fairly extensive and include speeches and statements before he became chief of staff. Many of these speeches and statements were made before congressional committees and most stress air power needs and capabilities.
The papers are bare of biographical matter and consist for the most part of the inactive files of the Office of Chief of Staff, United States Air Force. Correspondents include Joseph H. Atkinson, W. Barton Leach, Curtis E. LeMay, Thomas S. Powers, Walter E. Todd, and Ennis Clement Whitehead.