Floyd Burdette "Ben" Schwartzwalder joined Syracuse University as head coach of the varsity football team in 1949 and coached until his retirement in 1973.

Born in West Virginia in 1909, Schwartzwalder attended West Virginia University graduating in 1933 and receiving a masters degree in 1935. He coached high school football until he enlisted in the US Army during WWII. As a member of the 82nd Airborne he parachuted onto Normandy Beach and was awarded a Silver Star, a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, four battle stars, and a Presidential Unit citation. He retired as a lieutenant colonel. After the war he became head football coach at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA compiling a 25-5 record.

While at SU Schwartzwalder won 153 games, lost 91, and led the university to 7 bowl games, including the 1960 Cotton Bowl which culminated the 1959 National Championship season. He recruited such notable players as Jim Brown, Ernie Davis, Jim Nance, Floyd Little and Larry Csonka.

He died in Florida in 1993.

These papers cover the years 1946-1993 and consist of 15 boxes. The finding aid was prepared by Edward L. Galvin and Meg Mason.

Researchers interested in the Ben Schwartzwalder Papers should mention the specific five digit box number when contacting the Syracuse University Archives. Please note that the collection is housed off-site and advance notice is required to allow time to have the materials brought to the Archives Reading Room on campus.