Walter C. White began his career working in the White Sewing Machine Company factory, owned by his father. It was here that White did experimental work on the first White Steamers. When the White Motor Company was formed in 1899, he was made manager of the London offices. Returning to the United States in 1904, White demonstrated the company’s vehicle in numerous races and hill climbs. Two years later he was made vice president of White Motors. During World War I White interrupted his work to head a United States Commission engaged in organizing a maintenance program for military vehicles used in Europe, the successful completion of which earned him the Legion of Honor of France. In 1921 White was made president of White Motor Company, serving in this capacity until his death.