
0056
Marvin L. Franklin Jr.
Tomb Position
Assistant Relief Commander, SentinelTomb Relief
Tomb Dates
Jan 1966 - Jan 1967Military Dates
Jan 1965 - Aug 1967Society Membership
Lifetime MemberHome City / State
Oklahoma City, OKObituary
Marvin “Lyle” Franklin Jr., 22, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, entered into eternal rest on August 31, 1967. He was born on July 15, 1945 in Oklahoma City, where he graduated from Putnam City High School in 1963. He was a member of the Ioway Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, the Putnam City Methodist Church, and the Bethany Masonic Lodge where he served as Senior DeMolay. He was an automobile and woodworking enthusiast whose hobbies included rebuilding car engines and restoring furniture. In 1965, he enlisted in the United States Army. He was initially assigned to the 3rd Infantry Regiment "Old Guard", where he served as a Sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from July 1966 until February 1967. After his service in the Old Guard, he was assigned to the 1st Calvary Division. He was killed in action at Binh Dinh, South Vietnam. His parents, Marvin and Phyllis Franklin, came to Washington D.C. after his death to receive several posthumous awards, including the Bronze Star, on his behalf. At the special invitation of his fellow Tomb Guards, his parents became the first civilians to participate in the Christmas Wreath Laying Ceremony honoring the Unknowns laid to rest at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This is an annual event cherished by Tomb Guards. His parents were honored by the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by bestowing upon them lifetime Legacy Memberships in the Society.Outside Tributes
TributeMemories & Condolences
Lyle was my first cousin, the sweetest guy in the world, and all the family was so proud of him for his service and the honor he held as Tomb Guard. We have many generations of veterans in our family but only Lyle was KIA. My husband will visit both the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and The Wall, when he participates in the Central Missouri Honor Flight #59 on August 19, 2019. I will be thinking of you all day, Lyle, with love and tears, wishing I were there too.
Thank you for your service and sacrifice. May you forever be remembered for the ultimate dedication you bestowed upon your fellow soldiers and country.
Thank you for your service, and sacrifice. This Memorial Day you are remembered. My deepest condolences to your family and friends. You are now part of my Arlington memory, and I shall pay tribute to you, and your family, with every visit I make.
Just a little note to say Thank You for your service, your bravery, your spirit! I'm am so proud to be an American because of brave men like you who gave the ultimate sacrifice for me and my family! R.I.P dear Marvin, you will not be forgotten my hero!
As a social studies teacher doing research, I was touched by this hero's story. Every life is so precious. God bless his sacrifice and his family!
Rest in peace Marvin. It was a very sad time for me, but such an honor, as the Sgt. of the Guard at the time, to be able to travel to your home in Oklahoma City, meet with your family, and help them plan the military part of your funeral. Tomb Guards never forget
Rest in eternal peace! I appreciate and thank-you for your service to our great country. We had a special bond that can never be broken by time nor death. You will always be in our memories. Ps:121
On behalf of your brothers in the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, we will never forget your service to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and our Nation, and your sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy. Line 6 - Tomb Guards never forget.
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Units & Campaigns
3rd US Infantry (Old Guard), Tomb Guard Platoon, Company E (Honor Guard), Ft Myer, Virginia1st Cavalry Division (Air Mobile), Vietnam
Awards & Decorations
Bronze StarPurple Heart
Air Medal
Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Tomb Guard Identification Badge
Combat Infantryman's Badge
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?
Do you guard in a blizzard or a bad thunderstorm?
YES, but the accomplishment of the mission and welfare of the Soldier are never put at risk. The Tomb Guards have contingencies that are ready to be executed if the weather conditions ever place the Soldiers at risk of injury or death (i.e. lightning, high winds, etc). This ensures that Sentinels can continue the mission while ensuring safety. It is the responsibility of the Chain of Command from the Sergeant of the Guard to the Regimental Commander to ensure mission accomplishment and soldier welfare at all times.
It was erroneously reported that during Hurricane Isabel, the Sentinels were ordered to abandon their posts for shelter and that they refused. No such order was ever given. All proper precautions were taken to ensure the safety of the Sentinels while accomplishing their mission. Risk assessments are constantly conducted by the Chain of Command during changing conditions to ensure that soldier welfare is maintained during mission accomplishment.