0003
Vernon R. Whitmore
Tomb Position
Commander of the ReliefTomb Relief
Highest Military Rank
Sergeant MajorTomb Dates
May 1957 - Sep 1958Society Membership
MemberObituary
Retired Sgt. Maj. Vernon Ray Whitmore, U.S. ARMY
Vernon Ray Whitmore of Valparaiso, Fla., passed away on Monday, July 20, 2015, in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., due to complications from prolonged COPD. Born in Amherst, Va., Nov. 29, 1929, to John and Lucille Whitmore, Ray attended Amherst High School, and upon graduation joined the United States Army. He served as a member of the 3rd Infantry Division, Old Guard as a Relief Commander at the Tomb of the Unknowns, and later moved to Recruiting and Retention where he served until his retirement in April 1980. Ray is survived by his wife, Barbara; his daughter, Sandra Mills of Gordonsville, Va.; his sons, David of Valparaiso, Jon (Monica) of Burke, Va., and Stephen (Donna) of Uxbridge, Mass.; seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 9 to 9:30 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2015, at the McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home in Niceville followed by the funeral service at 9:30 a.m., with Dr. Herstel Carter officiating. Interment will be in Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Fla., at 12:30 p.m. with full military honors.
Memories & Condolences
My dad was a loving father. On the 20th of this month will be 2 years since he passed away. Ever since he retired, the man had one heck of a since of humor. I know he is missed and today will be hard on all of the Whitmore family especially to my mother. I can say for all of his family and friends we miss you a lot. I love you Dad. :-)
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Units & Campaigns
3d United States Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)Awards & Decorations
Army Good Conduct MedalArmy Occupation Medal
Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Identification Badge
Parachutist Badge
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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.
