June 30

Beat VMI

Gen. Mark Clark was one of the most impressive men I have ever known. I was in his presence many times as a cadet and alumnus during his tenure as president of The Citadel. His reputation always preceded him. He had commanded all Allied forces in Italy during World War II and had been the “Liberator of Rome.” His distinguished combat record and imposing physical presence created an aura of greatness.

I once paid a courtesy call after his retirement and found him laughing over a telephone conversation that he had had that day. The Reverend Billy Graham had called to discuss the general’s funeral arrangements. General Clark was somewhat aghast at the subject since he was not contemplating that event anytime in the near future, and, when asked about his epitaph, had blurted out: “Beat VMI!” He was referring to the Virginia Military Institute, The Citadel’s archrival in sports, and was a little concerned that the great religious leader might have been offended by his inappropriate response.

General Clark himself was serious about the religious well-being of his troops and cadets. He ensured that chapel attendance was mandatory at The Citadel, and he always dutifully set the example by being in the front row with his wife, Renie, at every service. During World War II he was quoted as saying, “ I am convinced that a soldier can find strength through prayer. All my life I have found prayer stimulating and comforting, particularly during critical periods.”²⁵⁸ At that time he wrote an inspirational prayer for his troops:

On The Eve of Battle

On the eve of battle we ask Thee, our Heavenly Father, for strength and courage. We fight, not only for our country, but for our God as well, because we battle for continuance of Christian principles among all men. Give us the strength and the courage to fight well. Help us, in our hour of need, to follow the words of the Bible: “Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God.”²⁵⁹ Give us Thy guidance, Dear Lord, in the hours of crisis that lie ahead. Grant us the power to face our enemies and Thine enemies without fear. And bless, we pray Thee, our families and loved ones at home. Give them comfort and courage and grant them Thy divine protection. These things we ask in Thy name. Amen.²⁶⁰

Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth.

—Ecclesiastes 12:1 (KJV)²⁶¹

A soldier stands in a bomb-damaged Italian church. (National Archives)

B-17 bombing Marienburg, Germany. (National Archives)