James Palmer
Tomb Position
SentinelTomb Relief
3rdHighest Military Rank
SpecialistTomb Dates
Jun 1960 - Jan 1961Society Membership
Lifetime MemberHome City / State
Fresno, CACurrent City / State
Fresno, CATomb Reflections
I was assigned to relieve David Barnes at the 2am to 4am guard change. He informed me that there were MP's running all over the cemetery, because there were many headstones being pushed up, not over. Real big ones that couldn't be moved by just a few people. I was hoping Sgt. Bone would come up and check on me after a while, but when the MP's left it was just me and 110,000 graves. I was the only one above ground. Many strange thoughts go through one's mind at a time like this, I wished that I had some of that live ammunition that we use to carry on Post #1.Units & Campaigns
Basic and Advanced Infantry, Ft Ord, CA3d US Infantry (The Old Guard), Honor Guard, Firing Party, Ft Myer, VA
3d US Infantry (The Old Guard), Honor Guard, Post #1, Tomb Guard Platoon
Awards & Decorations
Army Good Conduct MedalTomb Guard Identification Badge
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Learn More
Did you know?
Has anyone ever tried to get past the Tomb guards, or attempted to deface the Tomb?
Yes, that is the reason why we now guard the Tomb. Back in the early 1920's, we didn't have guards and the Tomb looked much different. It was flat at ground level without the 70 ton marble 'cap'. People often came to the cemetery in those days and a few actually used the Tomb as a picnic area, likely because of the view. Soon after in 1925, they posted a civilian guard. In 1926, a US Army soldier was posted during cemetery hours. On July 1, 1937 guard duty was expanded to the 24 hour watch. Since then, the ceremony has evolved throughout the years to what you see today. Today, most of the challenges faced by the Sentinels are tourists who are speaking too loudly or attempting to get a better picture (by entering the post).
