A pair of friends with Charleston roots rose to the highest ranks of the armed forces

From first jobs to sports, to volunteer service clubs and plays, this pair of friends did everything together.

CHS-Veterans.png

The two said that as kids, they were always playing outside and enjoyed making friends at the local roller-skating rink.

Photo by Ken Scar via ClemsonNews

From good friends to the high ranks. On this Veterans Day, we’re taking a look back at US Navy Rear Adm. George Bresnihan and US Army Reserve Brig. Gen. Louis Mitchell’s journey, which began right here in the Holy City.

CHS-Veterans.png

After high school, the duo moved into Johnstone Hall as undergraduates and were roommates for the next four years.

Photo provided by ClemsonNews

ClemsonNews reports the two grew up together in West Ashley, where they played basketball, football, and rode bikes around their neighborhood. Get this at 14, the duo teamed up to start a lawn-mowing business.

The two motivated each other, excelled in school, attended Clemson together, and when they each landed in the armed forces, climbed to the ranks — becoming two of the fewer than 25 African American general and flag-grade officers in their respective branches. Both have served their country for more than three decades.

From West Ashley to the high ranks, they’ve made the Holy City proud. Learn more about their story and where they are today.

More from CHStoday
The concept is taking over South Korea’s capital city. We’re thinking about where we’d copy it in the Holy City.
Ever spotted the Holy City on the silver screen? We have.
Charleston is among the hottest real estate markets heading into 2026, so we wanted to investigate.
A grassroots effort is helping Lowcountry properties become part of a nationwide habitat network.
Our readers have spoken — here are the best local spots our city has to offer, from the best coffee shop to the best apartment complex to the best dentist.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Directly north, east, south, and west, the world awaits.
The 16th annual edition of Small Business Saturday falls on November 29 — the perfect time to help you add a local sparkle to your holiday shopping.
We’ll get it started with a family road trip along Route 66 to Charleston in the 1970s.
The Charles Towne Farms development emphasizes open green spaces, luxury living, and architectural design.