The Palmetto Medal recognizes exceptional performance reflecting great credit on The Citadel and the state of South Carolina. Established by the Board of Visitors, the award is presented to those whose service to the college or state is particularly noteworthy. With the exception of honorary degrees, the Palmetto Medal is the highest honor awarded by The Citadel.

Two individuals who embody the college’s definition of principled leaders were chosen for the honor this year. Members of the Board of Visitors presented the Palmetto Medal awards during the military review parade on March 22.

The citations for the award recipients are below.

Charles T. Cole, Class of 1968

Charles T. Cole, a distinguished Citadel graduate, esteemed banking executive and dedicated community servant, exemplifies the highest ideals of leadership, resilience and service. A veteran of the U.S. Army, a respected financial leader and a tireless philanthropist, Cole has devoted his life to strengthening the institutions and communities he serves.

Cole’s career in banking spanned over 36 years, culminating in his role as regional president of Wachovia Bank South Carolina. A leader in both business and service, he used his expertise to foster economic growth while prioritizing community impact. His military service from 1969 to 1971 in the U.S. Army, followed by his retirement as a lieutenant colonel in 1991 from the U.S. Army Reserve, underscores his lifelong commitment to duty and excellence.

Despite facing significant personal adversity following a cervical spine injury, Cole has remained a pillar of philanthropy and community engagement. He has served on nearly 20 nonprofit boards, including the Roper St. Francis Foundation and Palmetto Richland Hospital Foundation, and has been recognized for his unwavering dedication with numerous honors, including Volunteer of the Year and Ambassador of the Year.

His devotion to The Citadel is equally remarkable. Serving on The Citadel Foundation Board of Directors from 2004 to 2011, he played a critical role in a $100 million campaign to advance the college’s mission. His outstanding contributions to his alma mater and the state have earned him recognition as Alumnus of the Year and the prestigious Order of the Palmetto from the Governor of South Carolina.

For his exemplary leadership, selfless service and enduring impact on The Citadel and beyond, The Citadel Board of Visitors proudly bestows upon Charles T. Cole the Palmetto Medal, a fitting tribute to a life dedicated to service, excellence and the greater good.

Cadet Col. Sam Wilson

Cadet Colonel Sam E. Wilson serves as the 2024-2025 regimental commander, chosen by the president and commandant of The Citadel through a rigorous rank board selection. In this role, he leads more than 2,200 cadets, guiding their professional leadership development, upholding both individual and unit accountability, and strengthening command cohesion. 

Last summer at Fort Knox, Cadet Wilson was ranked 12th on the Order of Merit List of more than 5,000 Army ROTC cadets nationwide, and he was the first cadet to attend the Special Forces Survive Evade Resist Escape High-Risk Training. Before his junior year, Wilson successfully completed the Special Forces Combat Diver Qualification Course, the Army’s most challenging school with the highest attrition rate.

Wilson has been recognized for his academic success, earning President’s List, Commandant’s List and Gold Star honors for maintaining a 4.0 GPA all seven semesters as an English and History double major. He was selected for the Distinguished Scholars Program, which promotes intellectual discourse and global citizenship. As a four-year member of the Honors Program, he placed first at the National Collegiate Honors Program Conference for his presentation on the discipline system at military academies and colleges. He received the prestigious Killam Fellowship administered by Fulbright Canada and spent the fall semester of his junior year at the Royal Military College of Canada. He will travel to Italy in March to compete internationally with The Citadel’s Law of Armed Conflict Team.

Never content to rest on his achievements, Wilson is committed to strengthening The Citadel through his unwavering dedication to mentoring subordinate leaders and improving the lives of his fellow cadets by example through his leadership and humility.

In recognition of his outstanding service to The Citadel, his community and the state of South Carolina, the Board of Visitors proudly awards Cadet Colonel Sam E. Wilson the 2025 Palmetto Medal.