On April 9, 1942, six Clemson alumni became prisoners of war with tens of thousands of their brothers-in-arms when American troops fighting in the Philippine theater of WWII were ordered to surrender to the Japanese. They were marched north some 70 miles by their ruthless captors in what came to be known as the Bataan Death March, one of the most notorious war crimes in history. Seven other alumni were also captured on neighboring islands during World War II.

Already weak and starving from months of intense fighting and illness, the POWs were herded with other sick, wounded and starving soldiers through the searing heat of the Philippine jungles. Thousands died. Those who survived the march then had to survive years in the inhumane and brutal conditions of Japanese prisoner-of-war camps, and the sinking by our own Navy of unmarked prison ships carrying POWs toward the mainland near the end of the war. It is estimated that at least 57 percent of the captured Americans, more than 11,500 souls, did not survive the war, a number most experts consider very conservative.

Colonel Skardon, 104, was the last living member of this illustrious group. He was well known as the only survivor of the real Bataan Death March to walk in the annual Bataan Memorial Death March (BMDM) at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., one of the world's toughest and most popular “ultramarathons.” The event has become a pilgrimage for veterans, active-duty military members, supporters, the few remaining survivors, and the families of the men who perished in the march and POW camps.

Colonel Skardon walked in the BMDM 12 times, most often 8.5 miles, beginning in 2007 when he was 89. In 2019, at 101, he walked more than three miles through the desert to honor his brothers-in-arms who did not return. He considered it his duty. He was on his way to walk again in 2021 when the pandemic canceled the event. In response, a team of students, veterans, alumni, and friends created the Clemson 8 Challenge so Colonel Skardon could continue his pilgrimage from his home in Clemson. The 8 represents the annual miles Colonel Skardon walked to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in one of the most brutal wartime events in history.

On Thursday, November 11, 2021 (Veterans Day), Colonel Skardon was awarded a star in a private ceremony and the rank of Honorary Brigadier General. On Monday, November 15, 2021, General Skardon passed away.