0006 

Lloyd N. (Neale) Cosby

Tomb Position

Platoon Leader

Tomb Relief

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Highest Military Rank

Colonel (Retired)

Tomb Dates

Dec 1958 - Jul 1960

Military Dates

Sep 1955 - Jul 1985

Society Membership

Founder

Home City / State

Lancaster, KY

Current City / State

Alexandria, VA

Tomb Reflections

“Fifty plus years ago, I was the platoon leader of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. One day I was standing on the plaza inspecting a guard change when a little old lady asked me the usual set of questions.

” ‘Are there guards here at night?’ Answer: yes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. And it has been so since 1936. Every second of every minute, of every day – rain, shine, snow, sleet, a guard is here day and night.

“Then she asked how are the guards selected? I cited high character requirements for duty at the Tomb. In short, I told her that they must be good soldiers and good citizens.

“Following the guard change, she came back with more questions. She was persistent. I can still see her face today. She asked: ‘Do the guards like the duty here?’ I said, ‘Yes. They feel it is an honor to continuously render, in their own small soldierly way, this nation’s highest honors to the Unknown Soldier.’

“She said ‘What do you mean?’ I explained that the highest honor that this country renders to anyone is a 21-gun salute. The President gets a 21-gun salute. And then I told her that this is what this lone sentinel is doing, continuously. Then I pointed to the sentinel on the mat. In a whisper, I counted 21 seconds as he paused at each facing movement — one thousand one, one thousand two and so on. I counted the steps as he crossed the mat from one side of the Tomb to the other, always keeping an eye on the Tomb and keeping his body between the Tomb and the weapon he carries. Thus rendering the highest honors with his 21-count, continuously.

“At the end, she began to cry and she said, ‘You may wonder why I’m asking these questions, but you see, I have a personal interest here. This is the only place I have to pay my respects to my son who did not return from the war.’

With that she departed leaving me touched for life and forever answering the question of WHY WE GUARD THE TOMB”

Outside Tributes

Tribute

Memories & Condolences

Kamelia Scott Oct 31, 2017
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of your friends and loved ones. I didn't know you personally but, I know that you were a good man and a mentor to my Dad (Gavin) and an amazing friend to my mother(Amy). I have heard many great things about you. Rest in peace.

Gavin McILvenna Jun 11, 2017
Thank you for your years of dedicated service to this nation COL Cosby.  You were an incredible mentor, leader, and I'm proud to say my friend.  You and Dot's hospitality to our family will never be forgotten.  As a young NCO you imparted many lessons on me when we were creating the Society, many that I continue to use today.  Amy and I will miss you dearly, but we will never forget!  RIP dear friend, we have the watch.

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Units & Campaigns

1st Cav Division
7th Infantry Division
3rd Infantry Regiment
ROTC University of Iowa
MACV Vietnam Advisory
Naval War College
Infantry Branch OPO
101st Airborne Division - Vietnam
Army Staff - Pentagon
Army War College
TRADOC - Fort Monroe
Army Research Insitute

Awards & Decorations

Legion of Merit (w1/ OLC)
Bronze Star Medal (w/1 OLC and "V" Device)
Meritorious Service Medal (w/1 OLC)
Air Medal (w/2 OLC and 2 "V" Devices)
Army Commendation Medal (w/1 OLC)
National Defense Service Medal
Army Service Ribbon
Overseas Service Ribbon
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
Vietnam Service Medal (w/3 BSS)
Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry (w/Palm)
Ranger Badge
Vietnamese Ranger Badge
Combat Infantryman
Infantryman Badge
Parachutist Badge
Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Guard Identification Badge
Order of Saint Maurice

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.