Van E. Chandler was born 5 March 1925 in Waxahachie, Texas. He became an Aviation Cadet in February 1943 and graduated as a pilot at Aloe Field, Texas, in January 1944. He transitioned to P-51 Mustangs in Florida then shipped to England. On 6 June 1944, he was assigned to the 4th Fighter Group, 336th Squadron, and entered combat during the invasion of France.

Van had two victories by Christmas and added two more on Christmas Day. His fifth victory came on New Year's Day 1945, making him an "Ace" at the tender age of 19. Flying a Mustang named "Wheezy", he baled out over Allied lines in Europe, but was uninjured.

After WW II, he remained in the Air Force and was sent to Korea in 1951, where he flew F-86 Sabres in the 51st fighter Group, 25th Fighter Squadron. There he scored three victories over MiG-15s in early 1952. Later, while engaged in the Vietnam conflict, he was promoted to Colonel and then, flying F-100 Super Sabres, he was named Deputy Commander for Operations of the 31st Tactical Fighter Wing.

Chandler retired in 1974, having scored nine kills in WW II, followed three in Korea. He earned the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Air Medal with 12 Oak Leaf Clusters.