George Vanlandingham
Tomb Position
Commander of the ReliefTomb Relief
Highest Military Rank
Sergeant First ClassTomb Dates
May 1959 - Jul 1960Society Membership
Lifetime MemberObituary
Sergeant Major Vanlandingham died on May 9th, 2012 and was inurned at Arlington National Cemetery Columbarium court 7 on October 10th, 2012. He served the Tomb as Relief Commander from January 1959 through December 1960.Memories & Condolences
Flags In @ ANC reminds me of Dad today, as I think of the Old Guard putting flags in front of every gravestone and at the columbarium, now where Dad rests. Love you, Dad!
With your picture on my desk, there isn't a day I don't think of you. It's so hard to sum up in words how much you meant and always will mean to me. Being a little girl and hiding behind your chair to 'surprise' you when you came home from work was the highlight of coming to visit you and grandmom. I was always greeted with a huge, warm smile and I'll never forgot that. I love you, grandad.
I'm so proud of the man my father was. An exemplary soldier but even more honorable dad. I miss him every single day.
Most people know about his dedication to his country, and his family knows him best for his dedication to his family, protecting all of us, making sure we are all taken care, always. His number one commitment was to providing for his family that he loved more than anything. We all remember that love.
Always my hero, Dad....
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Units & Campaigns
3d United States Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)Awards & Decorations
Army Commendation MedalArmy Good Conduct Medal
Army of Occupation Medal
Expert Infantryman 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?
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.
