Michael A. Zwolinski
Tomb Position
SentinelTomb Relief
3rdHighest Military Rank
CPLTomb Dates
Oct 1955 - Apr 1956Military Dates
Apr 1954 - Apr 1956Society Membership
MemberHome City / State
Fall River, MACurrent City / State
Somerset, MATomb Reflections
The men I served with where some of the most dedicated and sharp men I've ever known. They did this because they knew the importance of what they were doing. I was honored to serve as a Tomb Guard, and to associate with such a distinguished group.Obituary
Michael A. Zwolinski of Somerset, MA, passed away on August 17, 2014. He leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Wanda (Piszcz), and his four children, including Susan Perkins (Greg) of E. Greenwich, RI, Michael (Cathy) of Westford, MA, Steven (Kathleen) of Woodstock, GA, and Kristine Ginsberg (Bruce) of Westwood, MA, as well as twelve grandchildren. He also leaves behind two sisters, Helen Biszko of Tiverton, RI, and Irene Hrycin of Fall River, and was predeceased by his sister Frances West. He was a communicant of St. Stanislaus Church and a recipient of the Marion Medal for service. He was very active in the church's Polish community, President of the church's Polish dance group, and participated frequently in the Polish kitchen. A veteran of the U.S Army, he served as an Honor Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, DC. Michael retired from General Electric after a 35 year career as a Finance Manager and Business Analyst. Funeral to which relatives and friends are invited will be held Thursday at 9 AM from the Boyko Memorial Funeral Home, 709 Broadway, Fall River, MA, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Stanislaus Church on Rockland St. in Fall River at 11AM. Burial will be at Notre Dame Cemetery, Fall River, MA. Calling hours will be Thursday 9-10:30 AM. Donations may be made to the St. Stanislaus School Endowment Fund, 37 Rockland St., Fall River, MA 02724. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/bostonglobe/obituary.aspx?pid=172172433#sthash.dhY41cRe.dpufMemories & Condolences
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Units & Campaigns
Alpha Company (Honor Guard), 3rd Infantry Regiment (Old Guard), Ft. Myer, VirginiaSupport 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.
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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.
