Citadel Class Ring, 1917. Julius Chesnee Cogswell

Citadel Class Ring, 1917. Julius Chesnee Cogswell

Julius Chesnee Cogswell was a member of the Class of 1917. Cogswell was awarded both the Distinguished Service Cross and Navy Cross for extraodinary heroism while serving with the 80th Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2nd Division, A.E.F. in action in the bombardment of La Cense Farm, France, June 6, 1918. Having been previously wounded, Cogswell refused to be evacuated, and handled his platoon with bravery and skill in an assault on a formidable machine-gun position until seriously wounded.

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The oldest known Citadel Class Ring dates to 1895, and features a dark stone with the year '95 inscribed in the center. Early rings changed design from year to year until the design was standardized in 1940. A special war ring was made for those who had been called to active duty directly from The Citadel at the close of the 1942-1943 academic year. This war ring was unique in that it did not have class numerals.

Citadel Class Rings for the Corps of Cadets feature an oval crest with a Palmetto tree and the South Carolina State Seal with the graduating class numerals. The words “The Military College of S.C. 1842” wrap around the oval. The right side of the ring depicts the United States and South Carolina flags, cannon balls, and a star representing the Star of the West steamship that cadets fired upon in January of 1861. The left side depicts a crossed sword and rifle with oak leaves and laurel wreath.

For more information, visit The Citadel Alumni Association's Cadet Ring History & Symbolism website.

Museum Ring Collection

The Citadel Archives & Museum

Materials in The Citadel Archives & Museum Digital Collections are intended for educational and research use. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright. For more information contact The Citadel Archives & Museum, The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, 29409.

Museum Ring Collection

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Physical Object

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