0139
Lawrence E. Pathel
Tomb Position
Commander of the Relief, SentinelTomb Relief
1stHighest Military Rank
SSGTomb Dates
Jun 1973 - Sep 1975Military Dates
Mar 1971 - May 1978Society Membership
Lifetime MemberHome City / State
Columbia, SCCurrent City / State
West Columbia, SCTomb Reflections
The Tomb Guards used to have an annual Christmas tradition during which they gathered on the plaza and participated in their own wreath laying ceremony. Christmas was always a day that guaranteed only a small handful of visitors to the Tomb. The tradition included that the most recently assigned sentinel would assist the longest currently serving sentinel place the wreath before the Unknowns while the remaining sentinels stood and saluted in remembrance and respect. On Christmas morning, 1974, I was the longest serving sentinel and had the solemn honor of placing the Tomb Guards wreath. I was escorted by the Sergeant of the Guard, MSG William R. Rucker, and I will always remember how humble I felt at the monument to those who had given the ultimate sacrifice and accompanied by those who served to always remember.Units & Campaigns
Bravo Company, 1st Bn., 3rd US Infantry, The Old Guard, Ft. Myer, VAEcho Company (Honor Guard), Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Ft. Myer, VA
Echo Company (Honor Guard), 1st Marching Platoon, Ft. Myer, VA
2nd Military Intelligence Detachment, 2nd Inf. Division, Camp Casey, Republic of Korea
US Army Element of Defense Investigative Service, Fayetteville, NC
Awards & Decorations
Army Commendation Medal (two awards)Good Conduct Medal (two awards)
National Defense Service Medal
Tomb Guard Identification Badge
Meritorious Unit Citation
Support the Society
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.
Learn More
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.
