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?
What happened to the soldier that was in the Tomb from the Vietnam War?
The remains of the Vietnam Unknown Soldier were exhumed May 14, 1998. Based on mitochondrial DNA testing, DoD scientists identified the remains as those of Air Force 1st Lt. Michael Joseph Blassie, who was shot down near An Loc, Vietnam, in 1972. It has been decided that the crypt that contained the remains of the Vietnam Unknown will remain vacant. (Further Background) (News Article from the Department of Defense)
