Clemson alumnus, veteran, and longtime English professor, Beverly “Ben” Skardon, died at the age of 104 on Nov. 15, 2021, according to a press release from the University.
Following Skardon’s graduation from Clemson in 1938, he commanded Company A of the 92nd Infantry Regiment PA (Philippine Army), which was a battalion of Filipino Army recruits on the Bataan Peninsula in the Philippines.
Skardon became a prisoner of war on April 9, 1942, when American troops were forced to surrender to the Japanese. He survived the Bataan death march and the sinkings of two unmarked Japanese transport ships carrying him and other POWs to mainland Japan.
He also served in Korea from 1951-52 and retired from the Army as a colonel in 1962
Skardon’s military awards include:
- Combat Infantryman Badge
- Two Silver Stars
- Bronze Star with “V” device
- Purple Heart
In 1964, Skardon became an English professor at Clemson and remained with the university until his retirement in 1985.
Skardon also received a variety of accolades throughout his life, including:
- The Clemson Medallion
- The Alumni Distinguished Service Award
- The Alumni Master Teacher Award
- The Order of the Palmetto
- Congressional Gold Medal
Skardon was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. and Mrs. Alvin W. Skardon; his wife, Sara Elizabeth Golden Skardon and a grandson, John Stephen Skardon.
Skardon is survived by his three daughters: Sara Smith (Ravenel) of Saluda, North Carolina; Beverly Hardin (John Hewell) of Walhalla, South Carolina; Charlotte Raburn (Richard) of Simpsonville, and a son, John Norton Skardon (Mariko) of Seaside, California; and eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by his brother, James W. Skardon of Walterboro, South Carolina.
Skardon will lie in honor at Clemson Memorial Park at the entrance to The Scroll of Honor on Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Skardon’s family will receive friends on Nov. 18 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home & Cremations at 108 Cross Creek Road in Central.
Funeral services will be held on Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church at 193 Old Greenville Hwy. in Clemson, followed by interment with full military honors at St. Paul’s Episcopal Churchyard at 328 E. Queen St. in Pendleton.