Clemson University honors fallen heroes at Arlington National Cemetery

This December, leaders from the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business, Army and Air Force ROTC cadets, Clemson University alumni and Clemson Corps representatives traveled to the nation's capital to honor the ultimate sacrifices of 32 fallen Tigers at Arlington National Cemetery.

Clemson University, with its 135-year history, upholds a strong military legacy. More than 10,000 alumni have served in the armed forces, with 498 making the ultimate sacrifice to secure freedom for others. This legacy was honored during the visit to Arlington National Cemetery, organized by the Clemson Alumni Club Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Events like these, along with on-campus tributes such as the Scroll of Honor and Memorial Stadium, ensure that the University and the Clemson Family continue to remember and honor the service and sacrifice of Clemson's military heroes.

Honoring the legacy of a true Clemson hero

The military appreciation event began at the gravesite of Capt. Mark Stubenhofer, Class of 1996, who was killed in action on Dec. 7, 2004. Participants gathered on the 20th anniversary of his death to reflect on his extraordinary legacy and sacrifice alongside his wife, Patty, and children, including his daughter Hope, a current Clemson student.

Capt. Stubenhofer came to Clemson from Springfield, Virginia, on an ROTC scholarship. Known for his leadership and dedication, he quickly became a respected figure among his peers in the Clemson ROTC program. During his senior year, he met Patty, who would later become his wife. Together, they built a family, welcoming three children. Stubenhofer was described as someone who could "see the big picture of the world" and had a deep desire to leave it better than he found it.

Retired U.S. Air Force Gen. John "Jay" Raymond, Clemson's highest-ranking military officer alumnus, spoke at the event, reflecting on Stubenhofer's bravery and sacrifice. During his first tour of duty in Iraq, Stubenhofer earned the Bronze Star for his exceptional leadership. On his second tour, while leading a patrol in Baghdad, he was killed by small-arms fire. Tragically, he never met his youngest daughter, Hope, who was born after his death.

For his service and sacrifice, Stubenhofer was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart.

"Mark was a great patriot who always put his country above himself," said one of his Clemson acquaintances. "He had a profound sense of duty and was deeply committed to making the world a better place."

During the remembrance ceremony, Patty Stubenhofer spoke about her husband's legacy and the significance of the event, specifically how special it was to have the Clemson Family with her for the anniversary of her husband's passing. Her words captured the deep connection and support that Clemson's community provides, especially in honoring the sacrifices made by its military heroes.

Honoring Clemson's fallen

After the moment of remembrance, attendees dispersed to pay individual respects at the gravesites of 31 other Clemson alumni interred at Arlington National Cemetery. Below are the names of all the Clemson alumni interred at Arlington National Cemetery:

• Lieutenant Colonel Calhoun Ancrum, United States Marine Corps (Class of 1904)
• Captain Ernest Floyd Bennett, Jr., United States Army (Class of 1941)
• First Lieutenant Ralph Buel Bradshaw, United States Army Air Force (Class of 1942)
• Lieutenant Donald Anthony Callia, United States Navy (Class of 1960)
• Second Lieutenant Charles Edward Coleman, United States Army Air Force (Class of 1944)
• Captain John Hamilton Dinneen, Jr., United States Air Force (Class of 1968)
• Major William Henry Frazier, Jr., United States Army (Class of 1939)
• First Lieutenant Clayton Lawrence Herrington, United States Army (Class of 1941)
• First Lieutenant Boyce Manley James, Jr., United States Army Air Force (Class of 1942)
• Commander James Lowry Lea, United States Navy (Class of 1920)
• Major Charles William Lollis, United States Army (Class of 1963)
• Captain Benjamin Robert Martin, United States Army (Class of 1933)
• Captain Daniel Gardner McCollum, United States Marine Corps (Class of 1996)
• First Lieutenant George Lomax McCord, United States Army (Class of 1911)
• Sergeant Randolph Boling McDavid, United States Army (Class of 1943)
• Second Lieutenant James Beaty McHugh, United States Marine Corps (Class of 1923)
• Captain Fred Howell McMurray, Jr., United States Army (Class of 1955)
• Second Lieutenant Lawrence N. Meader, United States Air Force (Class of 1954)
• Captain Vivian Mordaunt Moses, United States Marine Corps (Class of 1944)
• First Lieutenant Joseph Bean Palmer, United States Marine Corps (Class of 1939)

• Lieutenant Colonel Steele Roy Patterson, United States Army Air Force (Class of 1934)
• Colonel Wesley McCoy Platt, United States Marine Corps (Class of 1935)
• Lieutenant James Henry Pressley, Jr., United States Navy (Class of 1949)
• Lieutenant Ronald Brian Ritchie, United States Navy (Class of 1969)
• First Lieutenant Gregory C. Schoper, United States Army (Class of 1968)
• Colonel Albert Ward Smarr, Jr., United States Army (Class of 1950)
• Captain Mark Norman Stubenhofer, United States Army (Class of 1996)
• Lieutenant Commander Daniel A. J. Sullivan, United States Naval Reserve (Class of 1902)
• Staff Sergeant James Bruce Tolleson, United States Army Air Force (Class of 1946)
• Captain Francis Carlton Truesdale, United States Army Air Force (Class of 1934)
• First Lieutenant William Raymond Yongue, United States Army (Class of 1964)
• Colonel Francis Marion Zeigler, United States Army Air Force (Class of 1923)

The all-day event continued in a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a time-honored tradition symbolizing the sacrifices of service members whose identities remain unknown. Representing Clemson University, Dean Wendy York of the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business placed an orange and purple wreath at the tomb.
The Clemson wreath was designed with spirited orange and purple colors. The large purple bow symbolized unity among all branches of service, as purple in the military represents a joint effort, blending the colors of the Army (green), Marines (red), Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard (blue).

"It was an honor to place the wreath on behalf of Clemson University and pay tribute to all of our nation's heroes, including the brave Clemson alumni who sacrificed everything in service to our country," said Dean Wendy York.

After the Clemson delegation's wreath-laying and the Changing of the Guard ceremony, the group concluded with a solemn Last Roll Call, a longstanding military tradition in which the names of fallen service members are called out in remembrance. Current Clemson Army and Air Force ROTC cadets were honored to participate in this moving act of reverence.

"For the cadets attending the event, they will gain an appreciation of the graduates who have walked before them and a respect for the solemn sacrifices that demonstrate freedom isn't free," reflected Army Lt. Col. Vance.

"This event symbolizes everything about Clemson," said Lendell Porterfield '91. "It demonstrates true dedication to service, sacrifice, and integrity-a willingness to give everything."

Learn more about The Clemson Corps

The Clemson Corps is a constituency group dedicated to continuing Clemson's military heritage and developing other opportunities to commemorate the military history of Clemson University. In addition, it aims to support Clemson University's Army and Air Force ROTC programs, Marine Corps Officer Candidates and Student Veterans through annual scholarship support and endowment. We can think of no better calling than to bring to Clemson outstanding young men and women who have already served or will be the military leaders of tomorrow.