0012
Richard Russell Alexander
Tomb Position
Platoon LeaderTomb Relief
Highest Military Rank
Lieutenant ColonelTomb Dates
Nov 1961 - Jan 1963Military Dates
Sep 1958 - Aug 1980Society Membership
MemberObituary
Mr. Richard Russell Alexander, age 57, died at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, Saturday after a lengthy illness. Mr. Alexander was a retired Lieutenant Colonel with the U.S. Army, serving for 23 years, and was presently employed by Headquarters Forces Command in Atlanta. He was a native of Toombs County, and was the son of the late Carlos Alexander. During his service time, he served in Berlin, Vietnam, and Korea, and was attached to the Old Guard at Arlington National Cemetery at one time.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Joanne Alexander of Atlanta; two daughters, Mrs. Sydney A. Wheels and Ann-Maria Alexander, both of Atlanta; his mother, Mrs. Julia Underwood Alexander of Lyons; three brothers, Truman Alexander of Jacksonville, Marion "Dickie" Alexander of Lyons and C.V. Alexander of Clarksville, Tenn.; two sisters, Mrs. Jackie Payne of Alpharetta, Ga., and Mrs. Jo Barrett of Savannah; also cousins, nieces and nephews.
Outside Tributes
TributeMemories & Condolences
Share a Memory
Units & Campaigns
3d United States Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)4th Battalion, 18th Infantry Brigade (Berlin)
Staff Advisor, 3rd Regiment, 1st Army of Vietnam Division
Engineer School, Fort. Belvoir
1st Brigade, 5th Infantry Division
Office of Special Assistant to Deputy Commanding General Reserve Forces, Third Army
Headquarters, US Army Forces Command
44th Military History Detachment, US Army Forces Command
Awards & Decorations
Legion of MeritBronze Star Medal w/Valor Device and 2 OLC
Purple Heart
Meritorious Service Medal
Army Commendation Medal w/ 1 OLC
Army Good Conduct Medal
Army of Occupation Medal (Berlin)
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal w/1 Service Star
Armed Forces Reserve Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal
Overseas Service Ribbon w/ 3 OLC
Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/Pam and Service Star
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/1960 Date Bar
Presidential Unit Citation
Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation
Combat Infantryman Badge
Expert Infantryman Badge
Parachutist Badge
Expert Marksmanship Badge w/Rifle Bar M-16
Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier 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?
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.
