On April 18, 1942, the Doolittle Raid marked the first U.S. bomber mission against Japan launched from an aircraft carrier. Among the airmen was then-Lieutenant Horace E. Crouch, Class of 1940, of The Citadel, who later retired as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force. Trained in multiple crew roles, Crouch served as a key member of his B-25 crew, helping guide the aircraft to its target in Tokyo. With no way to return, he parachuted into China and, with the help of Chinese civilians and guerrillas, evaded capture. He continued his service in the China-Burma-India Theater, flew additional combat missions, and later served in the Korean War before retiring in 1962. Following his military career, he spent 25 years teaching mathematics in Columbia.

April 17, 2026

🎉 Class of 2026 Parents, Family, and Friends! 🎉 There’s still time to secure a Life Membership for your cadet/student at the discounted rate of $400, but don’t wait too long—this special offer is only available until Commencement Day! 📢 Since the March 15th deadline has passed: 🔹 We cannot guarantee that membership items will arrive in time to be picked up with their classmates. 🔹 Your cadet/student will not be announced as a Life Member during Commencement. 💙 A Life Membership in The Citadel Alumni Association is a meaningful and lasting Graduation gift! To take advantage of this offer, visit: 🔗 citadelalumni.org/product-category/membership/ and select New Life Membership (Current Student) – $400. 🚀 Class of 2027 parents – you can also lock in this $400 rate now through Commencement Day in 2027! Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate this achievement with a lifelong connection to The Citadel Alumni Association! 🎓💙

Cadets from the Class of 2027 stopped by for a fleeting sense of what it will feel like to wear their long-awaited Band of Gold during the Class Ring Try-On at the Holliday Alumni Center this week. They had only a few precious moments to slip on The Citadel Ring—just enough time for the manufacturer to confirm sizing and engraving—before returning it for safekeeping until Parents Weekend. It’s a proud, bittersweet milestone, bringing the excitement of their approaching senior year into sharper focus. Congratulations to the Class of 2027! P.S. to parents and guardians of the Classes of 2028 and 2029: The Citadel Ring is a significant financial investment, and costs are most likely to continue rising as the price of gold increases. We strongly encourage families to begin saving now. Waiting until your cadet’s junior year can make this expense much more difficult to manage. Planning ahead will help ensure your cadet is able to participate fully in this beloved tradition.

April 16, 2019: The funeral for Senator Ernest “Fritz” Hollings, Class of 1942, was held in Summerall Chapel. A distinguished alumnus, Hollings served as a U.S. Senator from South Carolina for nearly 40 years, making him one of the longest-serving members in Senate history. He was also a former Governor of South Carolina and a decorated World War II veteran. The choice of Summerall Chapel—a centerpiece of The Citadel’s religious and ceremonial life—reflected both Hollings’ enduring connection to his alma mater and the institution’s deep respect for his legacy of public service. The service was attended by state and national dignitaries, Citadel officials, cadets, alumni, and members of the public, underscoring his wide-reaching impact. Photo: Russ Pace

April 15, 1926: The News and Courier announced a visit to Charleston by Broadway dancer Bee Jackson, popularly billed as “the originator” of the Charleston dance. Jackson gained national fame during the Roaring Twenties for popularizing the high-energy dance craze that shared its name with the Holy City. During her visit, Jackson participated in social activities with cadets at The Citadel. She and her mother also attended a parade on campus. ccpl.org/charleston-time-machine/bee-jacksons-1926-visit-charleston-behind-scenes

April 14, 2026

Benjamin A. Stemmet, '24, is the newest associate at O2 Investment Partners. morningstar.com/news/business-wire/20260319611287/o2-investment-partners-announces-appointment-of-ben-stemmet

April 13, 2026