The Tomb Guard

0178

Michael P Heaphy

Tomb Position

Commander of the Relief, Sentinel

Tomb Relief

3rd

Highest Military Rank

SGT E-5

Tomb Dates

May 1976 - Jan 1978

Military Dates

Dec 1973 - Jan 1978

Society Membership

Member

Home City / State

Buffalo, NY

Current City / State

Decatur, GA

Tomb Reflections

Best duty every - BiCentennial of the United States of America. I was at the Tomb from late 1975 until mustering out of the Army January 1978. If I were to have to do it all over, I would not hesitate, highest honor an Infantry soldier could imagine was being picked to be a Sentinel at the Tomb. Wreath-laying ceremonies were always truly touching, and every time I changed the Guard I had to bite my tongue at the honor. I was known as a bellower for my deep voice and ability to control a crowd with that voice. I have nothing but admiration for any other soldiers that served. A finer group of men I have never known, including all the men, the NCOs, and the officers involved.

Memories & Condolences

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Units & Campaigns

Co C, 2nd Bn 504th Infanty, 82nd Airborne Division
Co E, 3rd US Infantry (The Old Guard)

Awards & Decorations

National Defense Service Medal
Good Conduct Medal
Tomb Guard Badge
US Army Jungle Operations Training Center 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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Learn More

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.