Citadel Class Ring, 1946. George M. Rooks Jr.

Citadel Class Ring, 1946. George M. Rooks Jr.

George Rooks entered The Citadel in 1943 and completed two years before he registered for the draft, entering the Army in March of 1945. He learned while attending basic training in Georgia that honorably discharged Citadel cadets in military service could order a class ring, and received his in the mail before he left basic training. He returned to The Citadel in 1947, and graduated as a Veteran student in 1948. His first ring was for 1946. Over time that ring became worn, and when his wife ordered him a replacement ring (1948) he presented the 1946 ring to The Citadel.

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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.

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