Inventory of the Ralph H. Van Deman papers, 1833-1973
Finding aid prepared by Hoover Institution Library and Archives Staff
Hoover Institution Library and Archives
© 2014
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Stanford University
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Title: Ralph H. Van Deman papers
Date (inclusive): 1833-1973
Collection Number: 2003C91
Contributing Institution: Hoover Institution Library and Archives
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
1 manuscript box, 1 oversize box
(0.8 Linear Feet)
Abstract: The papers of Ralph Henry Van Deman, a US military intelligence officer, consist of correspondence, special orders, memoranda,
personal documents, and photographs relating to American military intelligence activities during World War I and to the establishment
of the United States Army's Military Intelligence Division.
Creator:
Van Deman, Ralph H., 1865-1952
Physical Location: Hoover Institution Library & Archives
Access
The collection is open for research; materials must be requested in advance via our reservation system. If there are audiovisual
or digital media material in the collection, they must be reformatted before providing access.
Use
For copyright status, please contact the Hoover Institution Library & Archives.
Acquisition Information
Acquired by the Hoover Institution Library & Archives in 2003.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Ralph H. Van Deman papers, [Box no., Folder no. or title], Hoover Institution Library & Archives.
Biographical Note
Ralph Henry Van Deman was born in 1865 in Delaware, Ohio. He received a bachelor's degree from Harvard University in 1888
and continued on to obtain a law degree. He was commissioned by the US Army as Second Lieutenant of Infantry and later enrolled
in medical school at Ohio's Miami University. His natural aptitude for military intelligence landed him a position at the
Military Intelligence Division (MID) in 1897. He is credited with organizing the Philippine Military Intelligence Division
in 1901.
In 1907, Van Deman was relocated to Washington D.C. where he became the chief of the map section of MID. When the United States
entered World War I in 1917, Van Deman attempted to bring some structure to military intelligence after its merger with the
War College, which was the result of a direct order from the chief of staff, General Franklin Bell. His involvement in the
revival of MID led to Van Deman taking charge of the reformed division. As the war progressed, Van Deman found himself in
France, where in 1919 he served as the Senior American Intelligence officer and the chief of Counterintelligence for the Paris
Peace Commission.
Van Deman retired from his military career in 1929 with the rank of Major General. Many years after his retirement, in 1941,
Van Deman was appointed as the intelligence advisor to the United States War Department. For this work and his efforts in
World War II intelligence he received the Legion of Merit. Van Deman died in 1952. His extensive career earned him the title
of the Father of American Military Intelligence.
Scope and Content of Collection
The Ralph Henry Van Deman papers are primarily composed of correspondence, special orders, memoranda, personal documents,
and photographs relating to American military intelligence activities during World War I and to the establishment of the United
States Army's Military Intelligence Division. The collection is arranged into four series: Biographical File, Correspondence,
Office Files, and Printed Matter.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Officers
Secret service -- United States
World War, 1914-1918 -- Secret service
Military intelligence -- United States
United States. Army. American Expeditionary Forces
United States. Army
United States. War Department. Military Intelligence Division
Biographical File
1833-1923
Scope and Contents
Comprised of materials of a personal nature, including photographs, a graphite on paper sketch of Van Deman, military history
of Van Deman, and an 1833 copy of the poem "The Soldiers Return."
box 1, folder 1
Military history of R. H. Van Deman
1891-1923
box 1, folder 4
Sketch of Ralph Van Deman
circa 1920
box 1, folder 5
"The Soldiers Return"
1833
Correspondence
1892-1973
Scope and Contents
Composed of personal and professional correspondence of Van Deman to and from his family and colleagues. Also includes postcards
and telegrams.
box 1, folder 41
Sullivan, Peter F.
circa 1900
box 1, folder 47
Wesson, Miley B.
circa 1920
Office Files
1892-1918
Scope and Contents
Composed of various office documents such as leave of absence documents, memoranda, notes, records, and military special order
assignments.
Printed Matter
1918-1962
Scope and Contents
Materials in this section include awards, currency, identifications, invitations, programs, and a United States Army War College
booklet.
box 1, folder 59
United States Army War College
1917
