John David Smythe
Tomb Position
Platoon LeaderTomb Relief
hqHighest Military Rank
ColonelTomb Dates
Dec 1957 - Dec 1958Military Dates
Jun 1953 - Jun 1983Society Membership
Lifetime MemberUnits & Campaigns
3d United States Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)9th Infantry Division
Pentagon
25th Infantry Regiment (Tropic Lightning)
1st Army
5th Army
Awards & Decorations
Silver StarLegion of Merit (4th Award)
Distinguished Flying Cross
Bronze Star (w/V and 1 OLC)
Meritorious Service Medal
Air Medal (4th Award)
Army Commendation Medal (w/V)
National Defense Service Medal (1 OLC)
Vietnam Service Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Army Service Ribbon
Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd Award)
Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal First Class
Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal First Class
Republic of Korean Order of National Security Merit Samil Medal
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation w/Palm
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge
Expert Infantryman Badge
Parachutist Badge
Ranger Tab
General Staff 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?
Do you guard in a blizzard or a bad thunderstorm?
YES, but the accomplishment of the mission and welfare of the Soldier are never put at risk. The Tomb Guards have contingencies that are ready to be executed if the weather conditions ever place the Soldiers at risk of injury or death (i.e. lightning, high winds, etc). This ensures that Sentinels can continue the mission while ensuring safety. It is the responsibility of the Chain of Command from the Sergeant of the Guard to the Regimental Commander to ensure mission accomplishment and soldier welfare at all times.
It was erroneously reported that during Hurricane Isabel, the Sentinels were ordered to abandon their posts for shelter and that they refused. No such order was ever given. All proper precautions were taken to ensure the safety of the Sentinels while accomplishing their mission. Risk assessments are constantly conducted by the Chain of Command during changing conditions to ensure that soldier welfare is maintained during mission accomplishment.
