Embedded Files
Clemson University has a proud tradition of military excellence dating back to its founding as a military school. Beginning with the first graduating class of 1896, more than 10,000 Clemson men and women have served in the armed forces. Many have been highly decorated for their service and sacrifices. Some received the nation’s highest military decoration — the Medal of Honor — for acts of heroism in combat. Several were captured and held as prisoner of war. 493 alumni have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.
Military Heritage Plaza
Created by the classes of 1950, 1951, 1952, and 1953, in cooperation with the Clemson Corps, Senior Platoon Alumni, and other individuals. Each set of stairs are engraved with a list of values that represent the progression of a Clemson cadet, from descending order beginning with Freshman “Rat” year. There are 4 levels of stairs, representing every year you attend Clemson.
The Stone Pillars Represent the cadet being molded by Clemson in preparation for service, and the statue represents a newly commissioned graduate who is ready to take on the world. Each year during each ROTC program’s respective commissioning ceremony, the newly commissioned Second Lieutenants walk through the middle of the stairs for the first time and receive their first salute.
TOM & JERRY and BOWMAN FIELD
Bowman Field is considered “sacred soil” by Clemson students, staff faculty, and alumni because of many historical aspects of the grounds. The two cannons next to Bowman Field nicknamed “Tom” and “Jerry” by the Class of 1953 and maintained by Clemson’s Pershing Rifles Company C-4, point towards Columbia, SC and our rival University of South Carolina.
Memorial Stadium
Clemson Memorial Stadium is named for the many Clemson alumni who have served in the U.S. military. The Stadium was opened on September 19, 1942, against Presbyterian College, with 20,000 in attendance. Clemson won the first game 32-14.
The name “Death Valley” was tagged by Presbyterian College Coach Lonnie McMillan. After bringing his P.C. teams to Clemson for years and getting whipped, he said coming to Clemson was like going to a “death valley.” The name stuck.
“Running down the Hill” is a tradition for Tiger Football players and fans and has been deemed the most exciting 25 seconds in college football. The team gathers at the top of the Hill, rubs Howard’s Rock, and charges the field to roar of over 80,000 cheering fans and the University’s fight song.
Scroll of Honor
Dedicated on April 22, 2010, the Scroll of Honor Memorial pays homage to the Clemson graduates that made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The Clemson Corps, a constituent group of Clemson Alumni Association comprised of many retired veteran Clemson graduates, was primarily responsible for the creation of the Scroll of Honor (as well as Memorial Park and MHP), but Clemson’s student body rallied around the effort as well and made significant contributions. To date, there are 493 Clemson Alumni honored on the Scroll of Honor. Each year on the week of Memorial Day, as well as the Military Appreciation Day football game, community members gather at the Scroll of Honor to place miniature American flags for each individual honored on the Scroll.
Memorial Park
The park pays tribute to the service of thousands of Clemson Alumni and friends who have served the state as well as the nation in fields ranging from agriculture to the military. The walkway through Memorial Park begins with a quote from a member of class of 1938 COL Ben Squadron’s speech at the dedication of the Scroll of Honor Memorial, and it reads “Remembering those who lived, served and died so that we might live and serve.” As you walk the path through Memorial Park, a poem is inscribed with the following questions: “What will you commit to, what will you leave what will you give to, what do you believe, who will you respect, what will you fight for, who will you protect, what will you give a life for?” This poem leads up to the Reflection Point, which was designed for visitors to ponder those questions regarding service.
Former Clemson Army ROTC HQ
This was home to Clemson Army ROTC Fightin’ Tiger Battalion, which was established in 1917. The Clemson Memorial Cannon is a 3-inch field piece, Model of 1902, (M1902) displayed in front of the Army ROTC headquarters at Clemson University. It was restored by the South Carolina Army National Guard in April 1985. The Clemson gun is one of some thirteen examples known to have survived. Very few were used in combat and many were scrapped during WWII. It bears a plaque that reads: "Clemson Memorial Cannon - Dedicated to the memory of all Clemson Gentlemen who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country... 'That the Tiger's roar may echo...' Donated by the South Carolina National Guard June 8, 1985 Major General T. Eston Marchant, Adjutant General, and State of South Carolina".
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