Honors 479 Graduates who Gave Their Lives in Service of Their Country and Three Who Received the Congressional Medal of Honor
Clemson Agricultural College, now Clemson University, has a rich military history beginning with founder Thomas Green Clemson, who served in the Confederate Army.
From it’s beginning through two World Wars, and Korea, Clemson was an all-male military school. Students lived in barracks with their rifles, wore uniforms, and were organized in military units with student leaders. The purpose was to develop superior military leaders.
During those years the Clemson Corps of Cadets produced three recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor. During World War II, only one college other than the military academies provided more officers than Clemson to lead troops in battle to achieve victory in Europe and the Pacific.
But the wars have taken their toll. To date 479 Clemson graduates have been killed in combat serving their country. Clemson Memorial Stadium, where 85,000 football fans watch the Tigers play, is dedicated to the memory of those men who sacrificed everything for their country.
On Saturday, September 10, 2011, Clemson honored all their veterans on Military Appreciation Day at Memorial Stadium.
The Clemson University Athletic Department recognized and honored fallen soldiers, veterans and current military personnel serving in the armed forces during pre-game and half time ceremonies of the Clemson-Wofford football game.
For 24 hours prior to kickoff, the Clemson University Company C-4 Pershing Rifles national champion drill team guarded the Scroll of Honor Memorial across the street from Memorial Stadium. The Scroll of Honor was dedicated to Clemson University’s great war heroes who lived, served and died in service to their country. Names of those honored are etched in individual stones placed in a circle around a grassy knoll. The Scroll that was 5 years in making, was dedicated in April 2010 and serves as a reminder to visitors of the sacrifice 479 Clemson family members have given in service to our constitutional republic.
A parade was held and a military display was placed on Bowman Field.
Half time events included a parade of veterans and current military personnel onto the football field. A highlight of the halftime program was the appearance of the Citadel’s legendary drill team. The Citadel Summerall Guard performed a seven-minute silent drill to honor the men of Clemson Agricultural College who performed in the Senior Platoon from 1930 through 1960, some of whom were present at the event.
