§ 578.110 - Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Identification Badge.

(a) Wear. (1) The Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Identification Badge will be authorized by the Commanding Officer, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), for wear by each member of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier who have met all specified criteria for earning the badge. Only soldiers serving in the following positions are authorized to earn the badge:

(i) Commander of the Guard (Platoon Leader).

(ii) Sergeant of the Guard (Platoon Sergeant).

(iii) Commander of the Relief.

(iv) Sentinels.

(2) Effective December 17, 1963 the Commanding Officer, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), may authorize the wearing of the badge as a permanent part of the uniform for personnel who:

(i) Have served honorably for a minimum of 9 months, which need not be continuous, as a member of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

(ii) Have met all specified criteria for earning the badge.

(iii) Have been recommended by the Commanding Officer, E Company, 3d Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard).

(3) If soldiers who have served honorable meet all specified criteria for earning the badge prior to serving 9 total months as a member of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and are recommended by the Commanding Officer, E Company (Honor Guard), 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), temporary wear of the badge may be authorized by the Commanding Officer, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard).

(4) Soldiers who are moved from authorized positions prior to completion of 9 total months may be considered for permanent award on a case-by-case basis by the Commanding Officer, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard).

(b) Authorization. (1) Authorization of the badge as a uniform item will be made by order of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment Commander citing this paragraph as authority. This order will constitute authority for individuals to wear the badge as a part of their military uniform. Original issue of the badge will be made by the Commanding Officer of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). Replacements will be purchased from approved commercial sources to ensure the quality of the badge.

(2) This award is retroactive to February 1, 1958 for personnel in the Active Army. This date reflects when the badge was first created and recognized by the Army for official wear. Former soldiers may apply to Commander, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), Fort Myer, VA 22211-5020.

(c) Revocation. (1) When the Commander of The Old Guard becomes aware of information about a current or former member of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier who was authorized permanent wear of the Tomb Identification Badge that suggests inappropriate conduct, including, but not limited to, acts of commission or omission for a member of that unit, or the intention to engage in inappropriate conduct, he will notify the Commander, E Company (Honor Guard), 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). The Commander, E Company (Honor Guard) will conduct a Commander's Inquiry to determine if the matter warrants further investigation, or if there is sufficient information to recommend to the Commanding Officer, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) that the Tomb Identification Badge be revoked or that the soldier be reassigned, or both.

(2) Nothing stated in this section prevents the Regimental Commander from taking peremptory action deemed necessary or appropriate to protect the interests of the U.S. Army, the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), or the soldiers under his command. Authority to revoke the badge remains with Commanding Officer, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). Revocation will be announced in permanent orders.

(d) Reinstatement. Requests to have the badge reinstated will be directed to the current Commanding Officer, Headquarters, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), Fort Myer, VA 22211-1199. Requests will be reviewed upon receipt of all information and forwarded to the reinstatement authority with a recommendation. Approval authority for reinstatement of the badge is the Commander, USA HRC (see § 578.3(c) for address).

(e) Description. A silver color metal badge 2 inches in width and 115/32 inches in height, consisting of an inverted open laurel wreath surmounted by a representation of the front elevation of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the upper section containing the three figures of Peace, Victory, and Valor, the base bearing in two lines the words “HONOR GUARD”, all in low relief.