0014
Allen J. Eldredge
Tomb Position
Commander of the Relief, Sergeant of the GuardTomb Relief
hqHighest Military Rank
Master SergeantTomb Dates
Mar 1962 - Jun 1966Society Membership
Lifetime MemberObituary
Mr. Eldredge died Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2004, at his home after a short illness. He was retired from the U.S. Army as master sergeant. He served in Korea and Vietnam. During his career he earned the Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge (w/Star) and the Tomb Guard Identification Badge. From July 1962 until April 1966 he was Sergeant of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier while serving his third campaign with the 3rd U.S. Infantry, Company E (Honor Guard), Fort Myer, Va. He is a Life Member of the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and a member of the Old Guard Association.
Mr. Eldredge retired as a police officer and investigator from the City of Daleville after 24 years. He continued to serve the city after his retirement as Assistant Fire Chief, Fugitive Escort, and School Crossing Monitor. He was Dale County Firefighter of the Year 1993, District Firefighter of the Year 1993 (Dale and Geneva Counties), nominated by VFW for Alabama Police Officer of the Year in 1992, and was one of the volunteer firefighters to become State Certified in Daleville. The City declared October 1994 as Allen Eldredge Appreciation Month.
He was preceded in death by his parents and twin brother, Alden J. Eldredge Jr. Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Cathy and Tim Brown of Enterprise and Jennifer and Gene Borman of Pensacola, Fla.; one son and daughter-in-law, George and Susan Eldredge of Jacksonville, Fla.; three grandchildren, Ryan Eldredge, Lauren Eldredge and David Eldredge of Jacksonville; three sisters, June Sutherland of Florida, Ada Eldredge of Mississippi, and Margie Febro of Tennessee; two brothers, Bill Eldredge and Art Eldredge of Indiana; a sister-in-law, Lois Eldredge; and several nieces and nephews.
Memories & Condolences
RIP Allen. One of the best PSOs the Daleville Department of Public Safety has ever known.
Share a Memory
Units & Campaigns
1st Battalion (Reinforced), 3d United States Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)Awards & Decorations
Meritorious Service MedalArmy of Occupation Medal
National Defense Service Medal
United Nations Service Medal (Korea)
Combat Infantryman Badge (with Star)
Bronze Star
Tomb Guard Identification Badge
Support the Society
The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (SHGTUS) is able to provide our programs, events, assistance, scholarships, and services due to the generosity of its members, organizations, and individuals. SHGTUS does not receive institutional funding. Note: The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a 501(c)(3) organization, so your contributions may be fully tax deductible.
Learn More
Did you know?
Has anyone ever tried to get past the Tomb guards, or attempted to deface the Tomb?
Yes, that is the reason why we now guard the Tomb. Back in the early 1920's, we didn't have guards and the Tomb looked much different. It was flat at ground level without the 70 ton marble 'cap'. People often came to the cemetery in those days and a few actually used the Tomb as a picnic area, likely because of the view. Soon after in 1925, they posted a civilian guard. In 1926, a US Army soldier was posted during cemetery hours. On July 1, 1937 guard duty was expanded to the 24 hour watch. Since then, the ceremony has evolved throughout the years to what you see today. Today, most of the challenges faced by the Sentinels are tourists who are speaking too loudly or attempting to get a better picture (by entering the post).
