
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.
Memories & Condolences
Share a Memory
Units & Campaigns
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.
Learn More
Did you know?
What happened to the soldier that was in the Tomb from the Vietnam War?
The remains of the Vietnam Unknown Soldier were exhumed May 14, 1998. Based on mitochondrial DNA testing, DoD scientists identified the remains as those of Air Force 1st Lt. Michael Joseph Blassie, who was shot down near An Loc, Vietnam, in 1972. It has been decided that the crypt that contained the remains of the Vietnam Unknown will remain vacant. (Further Background) (News Article from the Department of Defense)