Felix "Phil" Cordek
Tomb Position
SentinelTomb Relief
Highest Military Rank
Sergeant First ClassTomb Dates
Feb 1952 - Mar 1954Society Membership
Founding FatherObituary
Felix (Phil) Cordek, 89, of Stanley passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 16, 2019. Born March 30, 1930 in South Fork, PA, one of ten children to Rose and Frank Cordek Sr. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joy Shumate Cordek and loving daughter, Deborah Caldwell and husband Dwight Caldwell.
He graduated from Auburn University in 1968 with a degree in textiles engineering. After an honorable discharge from the Army in 1957, where he proudly served in the Third Infantry's Old Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, it was there he met an Air Force Airman First Class, Joy, who was known by all as "Sergeant Red" and later became his soul mate for 65 years.
Outside Tributes
TributeMemories & Condolences
Share a Memory
Units & Campaigns
3d United States Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)
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?
Is it true after two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as Guard of the Tomb, that there are only 600 presently worn, and that the Guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin?
The Tomb Guard Identification Badge (TGIB) is awarded after the Sentinel passes a series of tests. The TGIB is permanently awarded after a Sentinel has served nine months as a Sentinel at the Tomb. Over 600 have been awarded since its creation in the late 1950's (on average 10 per year). And while the TGIB can be revoked, the offense must be such that it discredits the Tomb of the Unknowns. Revocation is at the 3rd Infantry Regimental Commander’s discretion and can occur while active duty or even when the Sentinel is a civilian. The TGIB is a full size award, worn on the right pocket of the uniform jacket, not a lapel pin.
