The varsity stroke during one of the most successful eras of Boston University crew, Ronald Cardwell's rowing accomplishments give testament to his versatility and skill.
Already an accomplished rower upon enrolling at the university in 1951, Cardwell highlighted his freshman season by becoming a member of the Lightweight Four with cox that captured the U.S. National Championship. In the same year, he stroked the Senior Heavy Eight crew to victory at the Canadian Henley.
For the next three seasons, Cardwell stroked for the varsity, winning the Senior Four Event and the National Championships in 1953. He also teamed with fellow Terrier James Hewson to win the Senior Heavy Pair in the same competition. Further proving his all-around abilities, Cardwell, as a sculler, took first place at the Junior Double Event at the Canadian Championships.
The following year, while serving as captain for the Terrier crew, he guided the Senior Four to another national championship. In sculling competition, Ron won top honors in the Junior Single Event at the Canadian Henley.
In 1955, after stroking his Senior Four and Eight crews to the Canadian Championship, Cardwell's Senior Four contingent won a silver medal at the Pan American Games.
His Senior Four crew remained undefeated on the continent in 1956, winning another U.S. National Championship and the Olympic Trials. They advanced to the semifinals at the Melbourne Olympics before being defeated.
Cardwell entered flight school in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1954 and served two tours of duty in Vietnam, engaging in more than 300 combat missions as a fighter pilot. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1976 after receiving the Bronze Star Air Medal with 14 clusters, a Navy Commendation, and Vietnam Cross.
