Hans D Schlichting
Tomb Position
SentinelTomb Relief
2ndHighest Military Rank
CplTomb Dates
May 1955 - Mar 1956Society Membership
MemberHome City / State
New York, NYCurrent City / State
Houston/Spring, TXObituary
Hans D. (Dirk) Schlichting, 84, of Houston, TX passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 4, 2017. He was born May 15, 1933 to Heinrich and Anni Schlichting. Dirk faithfully served the 11th Airborne Special Operations Division and the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment with Company A. Dirk also served as Guard for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C.. Dirk was undeniably proud to be a Tomb Guard. He served the U.S. Armed Forces for two years until he was honorably discharged. Dirk retired from Shell Oil where he worked for 33 years.
Dirk had a deep love for his wife of 60 years, Grace. He compassionately loved and cared for his family and animals. Dirk enjoyed spending time with family, including time with his children and grandchildren.
Dirk and Grace had three children:
Dirk, Nancy (deceased 2008), and Deirdre
Dirk and Grace have eight grandchildren:
Savannah, Landon, Cody, Scott, Connor, Misty, Dana and Ryan
Outside Tributes
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Units & Campaigns
Basic and Advanced Infantry training, Fort Dix, NJ3d United States Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)
- Company A, various ceremonial details
- Guard Post Number 1 (GEN Mathew Ridgeway, Army Chief of Staff)
- Tomb Guard Platoon
Awards & Decorations
Korean National Defense Service MedalTomb Guard 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?
How long does the Sentinel hesitate after the facing movement to begin the return walk? Is the rifle carried on the same shoulder all the time?
The Sentinel does not execute an about face, rather they stop on the 21st step, then turn and face the Tomb for 21 seconds. They then turn to face back down the mat, change the weapon to the outside shoulder, mentally count off 21 seconds, then step off for another 21 step walk down the mat. They face the Tomb at each end of the 21 step walk for 21 seconds. The Sentinel then repeats this over and over until the the Guard Change ceremony begins.
