David Allen Jones

Tomb Position

Assistant Relief Commander, Sentinel

Tomb Relief

Highest Military Rank

Sergeant

Tomb Dates

Mar 1979 - Jul 1981

Society Membership

Member

Obituary

David Allen Jones, a resident of Dothan, died Friday, June 28, 2013 at his residence. He was 54. Mr. Jones was born June 8, 1959 in Fitzgerald, Georgia to the late Charles Hugh and Annie Virue Fender Jones. He was a 1977 graduate of Fitzgerald High School. Following high school he joined the United States Army and served at Arlington National Cemetery as a Sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Mr. Jones enjoyed life and people and tried to make a difference to those around him.

Memories & Condolences

Charles Jones Jan 20, 2015

This is my Dad! A wonderful and Honorable man who viewed his time as a member of the Honor Guard in the highest of regards... As his son and a resident of Maryland, I take time each year to pay my respects to the Tomb as well as the individuals who stood and continue to stand guard like my father before!

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Units & Campaigns

3d United States Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)

Awards & Decorations

National Defense Service Medal
Army Service Ribbon
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?

How many Sentinels have been female?

There have been over 700 tomb guards awarded the badge since 1958 when we started counting. There are hundreds more from the year 1926 when the Army started guarding the Tomb. The 3rd US Infantry (The Old Guard) is the unit that has been given the duty of guarding the Tomb. It was given this sacred duty in 1948. The Old Guard was -- and still is -- considered a combat unit. As an Infantry unit, females were not permitted in the ranks for many years. It wasn't until 1994 that females were permitted to volunteer to become a Sentinel when the 289th Military Police Company was attached to the Old Guard. The MP branch is a combat support unit and includes females.

In 1996, SGT Heather Johnsen became the first female to earn the Tomb Guard Identification Badge. She volunteered for duty in June 1995 and earned her badge in 1996. However, SGT Johnson was not the only female Sentinel. Since then, there have been a total of eight female Sentinels awarded the Tomb Guard Identification Badge:

Several other units have since been attached to the Old Guard -- food service, transportation, medics, etc. -- so now females have an ever-greater opportunity to become a Sentinel. Females must meet the same requirements as the male soldiers to be eligible to volunteer at the Tomb. the only difference is that females have a minimum height of 5'8" -- which is the same standard to be a member of the Old Guard.

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