Hans D Schlichting
Tomb Position
SentinelTomb Relief
2ndHighest Military Rank
CplTomb Dates
May 1955 - Mar 1956Society Membership
MemberHome City / State
New York, NYCurrent City / State
Houston/Spring, TXObituary
Hans D. (Dirk) Schlichting, 84, of Houston, TX passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 4, 2017. He was born May 15, 1933 to Heinrich and Anni Schlichting. Dirk faithfully served the 11th Airborne Special Operations Division and the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment with Company A. Dirk also served as Guard for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C.. Dirk was undeniably proud to be a Tomb Guard. He served the U.S. Armed Forces for two years until he was honorably discharged. Dirk retired from Shell Oil where he worked for 33 years.
Dirk had a deep love for his wife of 60 years, Grace. He compassionately loved and cared for his family and animals. Dirk enjoyed spending time with family, including time with his children and grandchildren.
Dirk and Grace had three children:
Dirk, Nancy (deceased 2008), and Deirdre
Dirk and Grace have eight grandchildren:
Savannah, Landon, Cody, Scott, Connor, Misty, Dana and Ryan
Outside Tributes
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Units & Campaigns
Basic and Advanced Infantry training, Fort Dix, NJ3d United States Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)
- Company A, various ceremonial details
- Guard Post Number 1 (GEN Mathew Ridgeway, Army Chief of Staff)
- Tomb Guard Platoon
Awards & Decorations
Korean National Defense Service MedalTomb Guard Identification Badge
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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.
