Theodore "Ted" Manolukas
Tomb Position
SentinelTomb Relief
Tomb Dates
Oct 1951 - Oct 1952Society Membership
MemberObituary
Theodore P. Manolukas was born in Youngstown, on June 18, 1929 and entered eternal rest on March 11, 2014. He was the son of Peter and Maria (Theofanakis) Manolukas, immigrants from Smyrna, Greece . Ted entered the Army in March of 1951 and was assigned to the 3rd infantry and trained to fight in Korea. During training, he was asked to volunteer to serve as a sentinel for the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. He served in this elite, spit and polish, honor guard from 1951 through 1952. After the war, he returned to Youngstown and with his brother, George, and cousin Nick owned and operated Central Candy and Cigar Co. until his retirement. Ted was deeply religious and gave generously of his time and money to the church. He helped with the construction of the Greek Orthodox Monastery in Hayesville and donated material, equipment, money and opened his home to visiting clergy. Ted was a 32nd degree York-Rite Mason, Wick Lodge No. 481, Scottish Rite and Past Master of Hillman Lodge, a member of Ashlar Chapter No. 213 Royal Arch Masons, Buechner Grand Council No. 107 Royal and Select Masons and St. John’s Commandery No. 20 Knights Templar and Al Koran Shriners of Cleveland. He was also a 50 year member of AHEPA, Lincoln Chapter 89. He is survived by his wife, Darlene (Muzinich) Manolukas of Boardman; his son, Dr. John T. Manolukas of Wilmington, N.C.; and his four grandchildren, Matthew, 26, Theodore, 24, Sarah, 22 and Julia, 21, all of Toledo; and Nancy Benedetto Manolukas.Memories & Condolences
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3d United States Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)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.
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Did you know?
Is it true after two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as Guard of the Tomb, that there are only 600 presently worn, and that the Guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin?
The Tomb Guard Identification Badge (TGIB) is awarded after the Sentinel passes a series of tests. The TGIB is permanently awarded after a Sentinel has served nine months as a Sentinel at the Tomb. Over 600 have been awarded since its creation in the late 1950's (on average 10 per year). And while the TGIB can be revoked, the offense must be such that it discredits the Tomb of the Unknowns. Revocation is at the 3rd Infantry Regimental Commander’s discretion and can occur while active duty or even when the Sentinel is a civilian. The TGIB is a full size award, worn on the right pocket of the uniform jacket, not a lapel pin.
