A Harvard alumnus who gave his life to protect fellow Marines in the Korean War was remembered as a model of leadership at the ROTC commissioning ceremony in Sanders Theatre. Sherrod Skinner, who died in October 1952 after sacrificing himself to save others, was highlighted for his integrity, humility, and excellence during the event.
Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Richard Clark used Skinner’s story to inspire the 19 graduates who took their oaths as junior officers in the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Space Force. Clark noted Skinner’s calm leadership under pressure, which earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor and exemplified the values of both Harvard and the military.
Skinner had been on Harvard’s campus just months before his heroic act, yet he demonstrated extraordinary courage and dedication. Clark, reflecting on Skinner’s actions, pondered how he might have reacted in a similar scenario. Harvard President Alan Garber emphasized the connection between the university and national service, citing past alumni like Edward Hutchinson Revere, who served in the Civil War.
The commissioning event, which took place in Memorial Hall, involved the new officers receiving their insignia and gifts, including a biography of Winston Churchill. The newly minted officers are set to pursue various military careers, with most entering active duty and a few opting for additional education or reserve commitments.
Among those commissioned were Quin Daly, Mike Greenway, and Zoe Kim in the Army; Zoe Clark and Joseph Hwang in the Air Force; Michael Kuhl in the Space Force; and William Kaufmann and Lucas Martin in the Navy. Five cadets who will complete their training this summer were also acknowledged.
Original Source: news.harvard.edu
