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
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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?
Are the shoes specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet?
The shoes are standard issue military dress shoes. They are built up so the sole and heel are equal in height. This allows the Sentinel to stand with a straight back and perpendicular to the ground. A side effect of this is that the Sentinel can "roll" on the outside of the build up walking down the mat. Done correctly, the hat and bayonet will appear to not "bob" up and down with each step. It gives a more formal, fluid and smooth look to the walk, rather than a "marching" appearance.
The soles have a steel tip on the toe and a "horseshoe" steel plate on the heel. This prevents wear on the sole and allows the Sentinel to move smoothly during his movements when he turns to face the Tomb and then back down the mat.
Then there is the "clicker". It is a shank of steel attached to the inside of the face of the heel build-up on each shoe. It allows the Sentinel to heel click during certain movements. A guard change is considered great when all the heel clicks fall together and sound as one click. The guard change is occasionally done in the "silent" mode (as a sign of devotion to the Unknowns) with no voice commands - every thing is done in relation to the heel clicks and on specific counts.
