
Jan H. Lilly
Tomb Position
SentinelTomb Relief
3rdHighest Military Rank
SP5Tomb Dates
Aug 1959 - Jun 1960Military Dates
Feb 1959 - Feb 1965Society Membership
Founding FatherHome City / State
Morgantown, WVCurrent City / State
Raleigh, WVTomb Reflections
During my days at the Tomb, there were 3 Reliefs consisting of 4 sentinels and 1 Relief Cdr. each. Each Relief was on duty at the Tomb for 24 hours (0700-0700) and off duty for 48 hrs.. Beginning at 0700 the first Sentinel was posted and walked the mat for one hour and then relieved. This rotation of the 4 Sentinels continued throughout the day until the cemetery closed. At this point in time the Sentinel was posted for a 2 hour tour, but did not walk the mat in the same manner as during the day(more relaxed). We had to remain on the mat however. There were no lights to illuminate the plaza as is the case today. If one Sentinel should go on leave or be ill the rotation was covered by the 3 remaining Sentinels - made for a very long 24 hours. Our quarters at TUS were under the amphitheater consisting of a small kitchen, bunk room, small lounge area and a uniform room.Upon completion of our tour we would return to HG Co. and our quarters. We did not pull any other duties! Great Duty, demanding and an HONOR to have been selected to serve as a member of such an elite group of soldiers. The proudest memory of my life - a TOMBGUARD, thanks to: Neale Cosby, PL; Wm. Daniel, SOG; Tom Bone, RC; Bill Rigsby, SOG; Jos.\\\"Zach\\\" Zachwieja, PL.
Memories & Condolences
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Units & Campaigns
3d United States Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)Awards & Decorations
Army Good Conduct MedalTomb Guard Identification Badge
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Did you know?
How many times will a Sentinel be on duty during the shift?
Each Relief has a 24 hour rotational work day. Ideally, four qualified Sentinels, one Relief Commander (RC), one Assistant Relief Commander (ARC), and several Sentinels in training comprise the Relief. The daily walk schedule is made by the RC or ARC and is dependent on the number of Sentinels who are proficient enough to guard the Tomb in front of the public. Generally, the Sentinel will do several walks back to back and then be done for the day. However, in extreme cases, Sentinels have been known to go back-to-back (every other walk) for the entire shift.