Wayne Thomas
Tomb Position
SentinelTomb Relief
2ndHighest Military Rank
SPCTomb Dates
Jun 1957 - May 1958Society Membership
MemberHome City / State
Decorah, IACurrent City / State
Decorah, IAObituary
Wayne Lyle Thomas was born February 11, 1938 in LaCrosse WI to Lyle and Evelyn (Pilgrim) Lenth. He was educated in the Decorah school system, and went on to serve in the U. S. Army from 1956 – 1958 as a Honor Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington Virginia. He was married to Sandra Peters on May 30, 1965, and later divorced. To this union, one son was born, Mark Thomas. Wayne spent the majority of his banking career at Decorah Bank & Trust Company, retiring in 2000, after working there thirty-seven years. He enjoyed his years of retirement by fishing and mushroom hunting.
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Units & Campaigns
3d United States Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)
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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.
