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A Long-standing Tradition
Since Clemson began classes in 1893, the value of a strong-standing military force has been an intricate part of its educational programs. When the nation’s bugle has sounded the “Call to Arms” the Clemson Corps of Cadets has always provided the military with men and women of distinction in the service of this country. For over 131 years, from the Spanish American War through the current Middle Eastern Conflicts, the men and women of Clemson Corps have never wavered from this call to Duty. Clemson supplied more army officers for World War II than any other institution in the United States except for West Point and Texas A&M. In addition, Clemson once maintained the largest Infantry ROTC unit in the country.
Visiting the Clemson Military Heritage Plaza located above Bowman Field, we can view an array of various Campaign Ribbons and Individual Medals for Valor, honoring the services of the brave servicemembers and the inscriptions from the various Clemson Classes. When visiting the Clemson Scroll of Honor, just east of Memorial Stadium, one can view the stones inscribed with the names of Clemson alumni who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in their service to this country. These honored alumni served across many conflicts, ranging from the Spanish American War to current operations. The Clemson Family is proud of its traditional past and current history of distinguished military service to this nation. The future of Clemson University’s Corps of Cadets will be to continue providing top military leaders for this nation’s defense.
Today, Clemson Army and Air Force cadets, Marine Corps Officer Candidates, and Student Veterans continue to carry on the rich tradition of the Corps of Cadets. These talented young men and women will serve our great nation in every corner of the globe as the future leaders of our Armed Forces. Through their unwavering patriotic duty, the distinguished and selfless service of the Clemson Corps of Cadets will be kept alive.
In recent years post-Gulf War, ROTC enrollment has declined dramatically. In addition, programs across the nation compete with our ROTC departments by offering significant financial incentives to attract cadets. To combat this decline, the Clemson Alumni responded to this challenge with the formation of THE CLEMSON CORPS.
The Clemson Corps is a constituency group dedicated to perpetuating Clemson’s rich military heritage and commemorating the military history of Clemson University. In addition, it aims to support Clemson University’s Army, Air Force ROTC programs, Marine Corps Officer Candidates and Student Veterans through annual scholarship support and endowments. Clemson Corps can think of no better calling than to identify and bring to Clemson the men and women who will lead our military communities with respect, excellence, leadership, loyalty, integrity, and selfless service.
Since its founding, Clemson Corps has raised over $400,000 in direct support of Clemson cadets, Marine Corps Officer Candidates, and Student Veterans. We have also played a direct role in commemorating and honoring our military heritage through events such as Military Appreciation Week, dedicating memorials such as the Scroll of Honor, and supporting our annual commissioning ceremonies. We can think of no better calling than to support those who will serve and those who have served our nation.
