Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Guard Identification Badge

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The Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Identification Badge is a military badge of the United States Army which honors those select few soldiers who have been chosen to serve as members of the Honor Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It is the second-least awarded badge in the US Army, after the Astronaut Badge.

The badge itself is made of heavy sterling 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 directly 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, a regulation was enacted which allowed the Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Identification Badge to be worn as a permanent part of the military uniform, even after the soldier's completion of duty at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The bestowing authority of the Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Identification Badge is the Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 3rd U.S. Infantry in accordance with Army Regulation 600-8-22. For a service member to receive the badge, a total nine months must be served as a member of the Honor Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and a recommendation must be obtained from the Commanding Officer of the Honor Guard Company.

The Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Identification Badge can be revoked if a soldier disgraces him or herself in a manner that brings dishonor on the Tomb. This action can happen even after the soldier completes his or her tour as a member of the Honor Guard.

Former members of the Honor Guard have created the Society of the Honor Guard with membership open to all who have served honorably at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.