Jonathan Murphy
Tomb Position
Platoon LeaderTomb Relief
hqHighest Military Rank
Lieutenant ColonelTomb Dates
May 2006 - Sep 2007Society Membership
Lifetime MemberUnits & Campaigns
1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)3d United States Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)
3rd Special Forces Group
Special Forces Recruiting
Exchange Officer, United Kingdom
NATO Special Operations J-7 Director
Awards & Decorations
Bronze StarDefense Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal w/3 OLC
Joint Service Commendation Medal
Army Commendation Medal w/2 OLC
Army Achievement Medal w/1 OLC
National Defense Service Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/1BS
Iraq Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal w/1 OLC
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Army Service Ribbon
NATO Medal
Meritorious Unit Commendation
Army Superior Unit Award
Combat Infantryman Badge
Special Forces Tab
Ranger Tab
Master Parachutist Badge
Botswana Parachutist Badge
Canadian Parachutist Badge
German (Gold) Parachutist Badge
Air Assault Badge
Army Recruiter 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?
Has anyone ever tried to get past the Tomb guards, or attempted to deface the Tomb?
Yes, that is the reason why we now guard the Tomb. Back in the early 1920's, we didn't have guards and the Tomb looked much different. It was flat at ground level without the 70 ton marble 'cap'. People often came to the cemetery in those days and a few actually used the Tomb as a picnic area, likely because of the view. Soon after in 1925, they posted a civilian guard. In 1926, a US Army soldier was posted during cemetery hours. On July 1, 1937 guard duty was expanded to the 24 hour watch. Since then, the ceremony has evolved throughout the years to what you see today. Today, most of the challenges faced by the Sentinels are tourists who are speaking too loudly or attempting to get a better picture (by entering the post).
