Colonel Ben Skardon
Colonel Beverly “Ben” Skardon graduated from Clemson in 1938 and has one of the most notable Clemson Ring stories. During his service in World War 2, Skardon was captured as a prisoner of war and sent to a Japanese prison camp. While at the prison camp, Skardon became extremely malnourished and started to suffer from many health problems. His fellow Clemson graduates, who were also prisoners of war, Otis Morgan and Henry Leitner, knew that Skardon had hidden his Clemson Ring when entering the camp because it was special to him. Morgan and Leitner decided to trade the ring for food in order to nurse Skardon back to health. They were successful as Colonel Skardon lived to be 104 years old, tell the story at every ring ceremony, replace his ring twice, and teach at Clemson as an English professor for over 20 years.
Ben Skardon once said, “With the Clemson ring, it generates friendship; it generates association; and of course because of my age, the Clemson I know is so starkly different and contrasts so much with Clemson University; however I think that there is a sameness of spirit” [1]. Not only did the Clemson Ring represent a greater association and spirit to Skardon like it does for all who wear it, but it also represented his family and the “Clemson Family”.
Colonel Skardon also spoke on what the rings means when people notice it: “The ring takes on almost a sacred thing. I know where it is at all times. I don’t wear it all the time for fear of sometimes losing it; I don’t want to have it on my finger unnecessarily. But when I go out, I like the recognition when people see the ring” [2]. Skardon’s story shows the significance of the ring as a greater representation of the experience at Clemson University.
Colonel Ben Skardon was highly decorated for his service in World War 2. He was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, two SIlver Stars, a Bronze Star with “V” device, and a Purple Heart [3]. Skardon told his story at each ring ceremony until his passing in November 2021.
[1] https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2338&context=tiger_newspaper
[2] https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2338&context=tiger_newspaper
[3] https://news.clemson.edu/beverly-ben-skardon-class-of-38-decorated-wwii-veteran-passes-away-at-104/