William Barton
Tomb Position
Assistant Relief Commander, SentinelTomb Relief
3rdHighest Military Rank
Specialist 3rd ClassTomb Dates
Apr 1957 - Aug 1958Society Membership
Lifetime MemberHome City / State
FOREST PARK, GEORGIA, GACurrent City / State
JONESBORO, GATomb Reflections
Served as Honor Guard during the visit to Washington by Queen Elizabeth in February 1957. The Third Relief (my relief) was on duty Memorial Day 1958 for the burial of the Unknowns from World War II and Korea. SP3 Lavern Pax was on duty during the ceremony, SGT Talmadge Gilley was the relief commander, and I was the first sentinel to relive SP3 Pax upon completion of the ceremony. President Eisenhower placed the Medal of Honor on each casket along with the ceremonial wreath. And above all, being able to pay tribute and respect to the men and women who have served our Country and paid the ultimate sacrifice defending the Freedoms enjoyed by all Americans.Units & Campaigns
3d United States Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)Awards & Decorations
Army Good Conduct MedalMarksman Badge
Tomb 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.
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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.
