As we enter the month of May—culminating in Memorial Day—we remember several alumni who have recently passed. While Memorial Day honors those who died in military service, we also recognize members of our community who served and are no longer with us. We begin with BG J. Emory Mace, Sr., USA, Ret., who passed away on April 14, 2026, at age 85. A 1963 graduate of The Citadel, Mace served in the 82nd Airborne Division and deployed multiple times in the 1960s, including two tours in Vietnam. In December 1968, near Dong Xoai, then-Captain Mace led his company under heavy fire, directed assaults on enemy positions, recovered wounded soldiers, and remained behind to call in supporting fires to enable his unit’s withdrawal. All personnel were evacuated. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for these actions. Mace later commanded infantry battalions and the Ranger Training Brigade and served as Chief of Staff, Fourth U.S. Army, retiring in 1991. Following his military service, he returned to Charleston and served as Commandant of Cadets at The Citadel from 1997 to 2005.

April 30, 2026

🎉 Class of 2026 Parents, Family, and Friends! 🎉 Time is running out to secure a Life Membership for your cadet/student at the discounted rate of $400. 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! 🎓💙

April 29, 2026

The Silas N. Pearman Bridge (right), spanning the Cooper River alongside the Grace Memorial Bridge, opened to traffic on April 29, 1966.

April 28, 2026

CPT Zachary E. Smith, USA, '18, is the program director for Murray State University’s ROTC program. marshallcountydaily.com/2026/04/24/army-captain-with-nato-experience-takes-helm-of-murray-state-rotc-program/

April 27, 2026

Former Citadel Board of Visitors member W. Henry Johnson, Jr., '75, was awarded the Order of the Palmetto on April 22, 2026.