Our History
A BRIEF HISTORY OF L-4 AT NC STATE UNIVERSITY
Organized and chartered in 1953, the unit at NC State University was designated Company L, 4th Regiment. Company L, 4th Regiment or L-4 was one of 130 units comprising the National Society of Pershing Rifles (PR) - a collegiate military fraternal organization dedicated to the manual of arms.
L-4 specialized in precision military drill, fancy or “crack” drill, and fielded a color guard for special occasions on and off campus.
Because of this unique expertise, L-4 would be requested to drill for several U.S. presidents, provide march units in the state governor’s inaugural parade, drill during annual homecoming activities, and compete in region and national PR drill meets.
L-4 remained viable and competitive over the decades winning numerous drill competition awards. In the 1991 it earned the distinction of Best Company in the Nation.
Following a period of inactivity, L-4 was rechartered on March 15, 2020 at the 126th Pershing Rifles National Convention in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Notables include:
Major Roy Ellsworth Congleton, initiated in 1953 as a charter member, was killed in action on December 21, 1964. He is recognized by the National Society of Pershing Rifles Alumni Association as a Distinguished Alumni.
General H. Hugh Shelton, USA (Ret), was initiated in 1959. He rose to the highest level among general officers and was appointed Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during Bill Clinton’s presidency. General Shelton is recognized by the National Society of Pershing Rifles Alumni Association as a Distinguished Alumni. Presently he continues to serve the NC State University community as the executive director of the Shelton Leadership Center.
Lieutenant Colonel William Kenneth Etheridge, USA (Ret) was initiated in 1966. Remembered as the patriarch of the L-4 Alumni Association, Inc, he was inducted by the Pershing Rifles Group in 2014 into the Honourable Order of the General of the Armies John Joseph Pershing. Colonel Etheridge is the forty-first PR to have been bestowed the title of Knight Commander of the Third Degree, the Group’s highest award.
PR House
During the late 60’s and 70’s, the Pershing Riflemen of Company L of NC State University rented a house in Raleigh. Joe Harris reminisces about the camaraderie and the experiences the brothers shared who lived in the house. You can read his story at the link below.
Notable Pershing Rifles Alumni