A house RESOLUTION

 

to EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF Brigadier General James Emory Mace Sr. OF Charleston COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS LARGE AND LOVING FAMILY AND HIS MANY FRIENDS.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were saddened to learn of the death of Brigadier General James Emory Mace Sr. (Retired) at the age of eighty-five on April 14, 2026; and

 

Whereas, born in Hampton County, Emory Mace graduated from The Citadel in 1963 and received a commission into the United States Army. Before deploying to Vietnam, he attended Ranger School. In December of 1968, during a search and clear mission near Dong Xoai, he led his company through several dangerous encounters with enemy fire while rescuing American soldiers. The following year, he was presented with the Distinguished Service Cross for his extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty; and

 

Whereas, during his twenty-eight years of distinguished military service, he also was awarded the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Purple Heart and was credited with authoring the first field manual for ranger operations. He was recognized as among the most decorated graduates in The Citadel's history. He was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame in 2007, the first graduate of The Citadel to receive this honor; and

 

Whereas, in 1997, Brigadier General Mace became the commandant of The Citadel, and led The Citadel through a dramatic transition from an all-male institution to a coed military college. Known for his blunt, disciplined leadership style, he implemented sweeping reforms: prohibiting harassment during meals and study periods, eliminating sophomore rank authority over freshmen, banning physical contact with first-year cadets, limiting "knob knowledge" requirements, and shortening the military orientation period; and

 

Whereas, during this time, The Citadel was navigating major changes as they worked to accommodate the first female cadet enrolled just months prior to his arrival. Under his leadership some ninety-five women graduated from the Corps of Cadets before he retired in 2005. The year he retired as commandant, the 1,900-member body included about one hundred twenty women. His daughter, now United States Representative Nancy Mace, would become the school's first female graduate. He became the longest-serving commandant of The Citadel; and

 

Whereas, together with his beloved wife, Anne, he reared four fine children: Elizabeth Anne Mace McGrath; Mary Frances Mace, a doctoral candidate; Nancy Ruth Mace; and Colonel James Emory Mace Jr.; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are grateful for the life and legacy of Brigadier General James Emory Mace Sr. and for the example of dedication and devotion he set for all who knew him. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Brigadier General James Emory Mace Sr. of Charleston County and extend their deepest sympathy to his large and loving family and his many friends.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Brigadier General James Emory Mace Sr.

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