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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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.