When Clemson College opened its doors in 1893, it began as a military college with an all-male corps of cadets. And thus began Clemson’s long association with Army ROTC and a long-standing tradition of military service and legacy of excellence. In 1916, Clemson’s Army ROTC program was established. On April 6, 1917, the United States entered World War I. Answering this call to Duty, Clemson’s entire senior class postponed their education and enlisted. A total of 1,549 Clemson students served; 32 were killed in the line of duty. Medals of Honor were presented to Ensign Daniel Sullivan and Sergeant Evans Foster.
During World War II, Clemson led the way in producing commissioned Army officers, second only to West Point and Texas A&M. A total of 6,475 served and 370 were killed in the line of duty. A Medal of Honor was presented to Lt. Col. Jimmy Dyess, a member of Clemson’s Class of ’31. Col. Ben Skardon, Clemson Class of ’38, was a famous survivor of the Bataan Death March on the Bataan Peninsula in the Philippines.
In 1955, Clemson College welcomed its doors to women students. Concurrently, Clemson abolished its Cadet Corps and became a civilian school. However, all male students were mandated to participated in at least the first two years of ROTC. By 1968, the ROTC requirement for underclassmen was abolished.
Today, Clemson’s Army ROTC Fightin’ Tiger Battalion continues Clemson’s legacy of excellence and tradition of military service. Clemson Army ROTC still produces top-notch officers in all 16 basic branches of the Army. Clemson’s Army ROTC program is among the best in the nation and consistently performs very well at national competitions, such as the 4th Brigade Ranger Challenge competition, and at Cadet Summer Training held at Fort Knox, KY.
Army ROTC teaches college students leadership skills and experiences that provide them with a foundation to become commissioned Army Officers upon graduation. Upon completing the Army ROTC program, graduates will be commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Army across 16 branches, across all 3 components: Active Duty, National Guard, and Army Reserve.
Clemson Corps works closely with Clemson’s Army ROTC program, providing direct funding and scholarships to support Cadets in a multitude of ways. It is our mission to perpetuate our military heritage and keep the tradition of military service alive.
You can help support our mission as well! Click the link down below to donate in support of scholarships and funds for Cadets!
This We’ll Defend! Go Tigers!
