Frank E. Vandiver

Vandiver was born on December 9, 1925, in Austin, Texas, to Harry Shultz and Maude Folmsbee (née Everson) Vandiver. He attended the public schools but was eventually pulled out by his parents, in favor of private tutoring. He joined the United States Army Air Forces during World War II and served as a historian. Despite not having a high school diploma, following the war Vandiver was admitted to a graduate program at the University of Texas at Austin to study humanities and American studies through passing qualifying examinations. He was awarded a Rockefeller Fellowship for his studies. Vandiver received his Master of Arts degree from the University of Texas in 1949 and was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Tulane University in 1951. In 1963 he received an M.A. degree by decree from University of Oxford. ==Teaching==

After graduation, Vandiver accepted a teaching position in the Arts and Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, but left within a few years to teach at Rice University, becoming a full professor in 1958. He taught during the summer sessions at Louisiana State University from 1953 to 1957. ==Texas A&M University==

In 1981 Vandiver became president of Texas A&M University. Vandiver resigned as president of A&M in 1988, citing a desire to spend more time on research and writing. Rather than leave the university, he established the Mosher Institute for Defense Studies, a national defense think tank, The institute was closed in 1993. He was also named a distinguished professor in the history department. ==Writing==

Vandiver wrote, co-wrote or edited 24 books, most centered on the American Civil War. Almost half of his books were still in print at the time of his death, including his first book Ploughshares Into Swords: Josiah Gorgas and Confederate Ordnance (1952). His 1977 book Black Jack: The Life and Times of John J. Pershing, was a runner-up for a National Book Award. The Houston Civil War Round Table renamed their annual award of merit the Frank E. Vandiver Award in 1985. ==Personal life==

The Houston Chronicle described Vandiver as "a colorful and articulate man with much personal charm". He had three children. He received several honorary degrees during his life. He was awarded an HHD degree from Austin College in 1977. In 1989 and 1994 he was awarded an honorary DHL degree and BA degree from Lincoln College. Vandiver died at his home in College Station, Texas, on January 7, 2005. ==Selected works==

• Ploughshares Into Swords: Josiah Gorgas and Confederate Ordnance (1952) • Rebel Brass: The Confederate Command System (1956) • Mighty Stonewall (1957) • ''Jubal's Raid: General Early's Famous Attack on Washington in 1864'' (1960) • Their Tattered Flags: The Epic of the Confederacy (1970) • Black Jack: The Life and Times of John J. Pershing (1977) — runner up for National Book Award • Blood Brothers: A Short History of the Civil War (1992) • ''Shadows of Vietnam: Lyndon Johnson's Wars'' (1997) • 1001 Things Everyone Should Know About the Civil War (1999) • 1001 Things Everyone Should Know About World War II (2000) ==References==