Conditions Governing Use

Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions

Preferred Citation

Frank R. Pancake collection, 1934-1959. MS 0507. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.

Biographical / Historical

Frank Robbins Pancake, a native of Staunton, Virginia, graduated from VMI in 1938. He served as a B-29 pilot during World War II, and subsequently served in the United States Air Force for 28 years, including posts in France, Panama, and at the Pentagon. From 1951 to 1954 he served as Commandant at VMI. After retiring from active duty, Pancake earned a Ph.D. and returned to Staunton to teach at Mary Baldwin College. He died in 2003.

Content Description

This collection consists of items related to Frank R. Pancake, including: Photographs and English class essays dating from his VMI cadetship (1934-1938) Personal letters (bulk to his parents), mementos, and photographs dating from his assignment to Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in the late 1950s Clippings from his time as VMI Commandant (1951-1954)

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Clippings
• Correspondence
• Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe
• United States. Air Force—Officers
• Virginia Military Institute—Academics—History—20th century
• Virginia Military Institute—Cadet compositions—Prose
• Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1930-1939
• Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1938