Earlier this semester, Clemson University’s Company C-4 of the Pershing Rifles proudly earned second place at the national John J. Pershing Memorial Drill Competition in Wilmington, North Carolina. It served as a meaningful achievement for the team, whose members consistently seek to honor and preserve Clemson’s rich military heritage.
The Pershing Rifles program is Clemson’s premier drill team, also referred to as Clemson’s honor guard. The national society was founded in 1894, and Clemson’s chapter was chartered in 1939, deeming it one of the oldest institutions on campus. The team is responsible for performing military honors at special events on behalf of the Clemson community and the broader Upstate region.
In preparation for this year’s competition, Pershing Rifles members underwent weeks of training in order to present their best. Placing second only to the United States Air Force Academy in a close competition, the runner-up honor reflected the incredible dedication and commitment of those involved. Clemson was runner-up in four events — platoon armed, platoon unarmed, squad armed and squad unarmed — and third place in squad exhibition.
When reflecting on the experience, Executive Officer Sam Blankenship — a senior electrical engineering major from Richmond, Virginia — is immensely proud of the team’s accomplishments and the work they have poured into the program.
“I’m most impressed with the willingness to learn from our company. We had almost 10 new members this year, and this was their first time competing. They really embraced training and competition with a good attitude,” Blankenship says.
Looking forward, the team aims to finish out the semester on a high note. They will be participating in a variety of ceremonies — most notably commissioning, spring graduation, and Memorial Day. In the fall, they will perform Color Guard honors at each home football game, as well as engage in many other events across the University.