Simpsonville Cadets Named to Elite Citadel Summerall Guards

Three cadets from Simpsonville have been named to The Citadel's elite Summerall Guards, the school announced.

The 2014 Summerall Guards, a silent drill platoon, made its debut during Corps Day Weekend March 9. The Corps of Cadets this year celebrated its 170th birthday.

The chosen cadets are among 61 rising seniors that have gone through rigorous drill and physical training to be selected as members of the Summerall Guards. Cadets are chosen for their ability to precisely execute selected portions of the drill series they will perform as Summerall Guards, as well as, their demonstrated level of physical fitness and stamina. 

The cadets from Simpsonville are:

• Jasper Dove Puckett Jr. — Oscar Company
• Christopher Garrett Roper — Oscar Company
• James Adam Stone — November Company

The Summerall Guards was created in 1932 and named for Gen. Charles P. Summerall, former chief of staff of the U.S. Army and president of The Citadel from 1931 until 1953. Its purpose is to exemplify the exactness and thoroughness with which Citadel cadets are trained. 

The drill, which is verbally passed down from class to class, is a unique series of movements based on the old German close order drill and performed to a silent count. Each year's Summerall Guards take responsibility for teaching the next year's unit the intricate steps of the drill.