Happy 100th Birthday to Colonel Beverly “Ben” Skardon!

Technology has permitted us to capture history in the words of those who lived it!  I first met COL Ben when I was a cadet at Clemson.  I first heard his “Ring Story” firsthand from his own mouth.  It added significantly more weight to the ring I wear daily on my right hand.  On his 100th birthday, I can think of no more fitting tribute than sharing his story, in his own words.

COL Skardon is a national treasure, and I am humbled to be following in his footsteps as part of the “long orange line” of Clemson officers.

A Tiger Among Lions, Colonel Gerald R. Tyler

The photo is an old Associated Press photo with the caption typed on a piece of paper glued and taped to the back which reads:

“COL. GERALD R. TYLER, COMMANDANT OF THE SECRET ATOMIC BOMB PROJECT AT LOS ALAMOS, N.M., IS SHOWN AT HIS DESK AT THE OFFICES LOCATED IN MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN 30 MILES NORTWEST OF SANTA FE.”

But, what isn’t told is the link this photo has to an ROTC legend at my alma mater…..

Gerald_Tyler

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