WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M., March 21, 2017 — The 75th anniversary of World War II’s infamous Bataan Death March was observed by 7,200 people who gathered here in the early-morning hours to participate in an 8.5-mile walk, March 19, 2017.
Once again, Ben Skardon, a retired Army colonel, was the oldest participant and the only living survivor of the Bataan Death March to walk in the event.
Skardon, 99, walked through the unforgiving New Mexico desert as temperatures reached 90 degrees Fahrenheit, refusing to quit until he’d finished the same distance he’d covered in his previous nine marches.
You've reached your daily free article limit.
Subscribe and support our veteran writing staff to continue reading.
WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M., March 21, 2017 — The 75th anniversary of World War II’s infamous Bataan Death March was observed by 7,200 people who gathered here in the early-morning hours to participate in an 8.5-mile walk, March 19, 2017.
Once again, Ben Skardon, a retired Army colonel, was the oldest participant and the only living survivor of the Bataan Death March to walk in the event.
Skardon, 99, walked through the unforgiving New Mexico desert as temperatures reached 90 degrees Fahrenheit, refusing to quit until he’d finished the same distance he’d covered in his previous nine marches.
Skardon is a beloved alumnus and professor emeritus of Clemson University in South Carolina, so Clemson orange was the color of choice for the 64 members of “Ben’s Brigade” — his die-hard support group made up of friends, family, former students and relatives of his fellow prisoners of war.
SOFREP Exclusive: The inside story of Canada’s JTF2 record-breaking sniper kill
Trump’s Pentagon Shake-Up: Former Fighter Pilot Dan “Razin” Caine Now America’s Top General
Why Bombs Are Out and Trade Wars Are In: How Trump’s Economic Bitch Slap Could Actually Prevent World War 3
Admiral William McRaven is Not Exactly a Fan of Donald Trump, Still He is Not Without His Own Controversy
Join SOFREP for insider access and analysis.
TRY 14 DAYS FREEAlready a subscriber? Log In
COMMENTS
You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.