
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
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Did you know?
What is it like to guard in bad weather?
The Sentinels at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are completely dedicated to their duty of guarding the Tomb. In fact, line eight of our Sentinel's Creed refers to the "discomfort of the elements". Because of their dedication, the weather does not bother them. In fact, it is considered an honor to walk the mat during inclement weather. It gets cold, it gets hot and the mission continues as it has unbroken since 1937.