Very nice badge. This badge is unmarked but dates between the early 1970s and maybe mid to early 1980s. It is a late vietnam era piece. It is very heavy and in excellent shape it most likely saw some to minimal useage but definatly saw some use. High detailed and a highly poignant badge.. this is the full size example. Only 722 soldiers have ever been awarded the honor of being a recipient of this badge since its founding in 1958. The earliest examples are sterling silver and are very hard to come by!
The Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Identification Badge is a military badge of the United States Army that honors those soldiers who have been chosen to serve as members of the Honor Guard, known as "Sentinels", at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.It is the third-least awarded badge in the US Military, after the Military Horseman Identification Badge and the Astronaut Badge. As of March 2024, 722 soldiers have been awarded this badge.
The badge itself is made of silver approximately two inches in diameter. The obverse design consists of an inverted wreath, a sign of mourning, and the East face of the Tomb which contains the figures of Peace, Valor and Victory. Superimposed on the bottom of the Tomb under the three figures are the words "Honor Guard". The badge was designed in 1956 and first issued to members of the Honor Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on February 7, 1958.
The badge was first issued only as a temporary wear item, meaning the Soldiers could only wear the badge during their tenure as members of the Honor Guard. Upon leaving the duty, the badge was returned and reissued to incoming Soldiers. In 1963, regulations were changed to allow the badge to be worn as a permanent part of the military uniform after the Soldier's completion of duty at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It was also permanently awarded to those who had previously earned it.
The badge can and has been revoked if a soldier dishonors himself or the tomb during or after his service! Women were not eligible for the award until 1993. The first recipient was a former POW Master Sergeant William Daniel.
