Medal of Honor Books This series of books contains the citations for ALL Medals of Honor awarded to that branch of service, with brief biographical data and photos of many of the recipients. Some of them also include citations for other awards, analysis of awards, data tables and analysis and more. These are LARGE volumes, each 8 1/2" x 11" and more than 500 pages each. Click on a book to find it on Amazon.com where you can find more details on what is contained in each book, as well as to get a free preview. Each volume is $24.95. Heroes in the War on Terrorism NAVY    -  MARINES   -  AIR FORCE   - ARMY O.E.F.  - ARMY O.I.F. These books contain the citations for nearly all of the awards of the Silve Star and higher to members of each branch of service in the War on Terrorism. Books include photos of most recipients, some biographical data, analysis of awards by rank, unit, date, and more. ENCYCLOPEDIA of AMERICAN MILITARY HEROES With the 5 Medal of Honor volumes above, these compilations comprise a virtual 28-volume ENCYCLOPEDIA of decorated American heroes(15,000 pages)  with award citations, history, tables & analysis, and detailed indexes of ACEs, FLAG OFFICERS, and more. (Click on any book to see it in Amazon.com - $24.95 Each Volume) United States Army Heroes Distinguished Service Cross Distinguished Service Medals 1873 - 1941 Korea Vietnam 1862 - 1960 RVN - Present United States Navy Heroes Navy Cross Silver Star Navy Corpsmen 1915 - 1941 WWII Korea - Present WWII United States Marine Corps Heroes Navy Cross Silver Star 1915 - WWII Korea - Present 1900 - 1941 WWII 1947 - Korea Vietnam - Present WINGS OF VALOR The Defining Generation Visit My AUTHOR PAGE

TOMB Of The Unknown Soldier
The Sarcophagus

The Tomb sarcophagus was completed and opened to the public on April 9, 1932.  It consists of seven rectangular marble pieces with a combined weight of 79 tons.  It was furnished by the Vermont Marble Company of Danby, VT and was quarried in Yule, Colorado (from where the same Yule Marble was quarried for the Lincoln Memorial).

Most people quickly recognize the Tomb from its distinctively sculptured shape and the inscription on the WEST PANEL (facing the Amphitheater) with the words:

HERE RESTS IN HONORED GLORY AN AMERICAN SOLDIER KNOWN BUT TO GOD

The side panels facing NORTH and SOUTH are divided into three sections by Doric pilasters. In each panel is an inverted wreath. 

 

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On the EAST face, looking out over our Nation's Capitol, is the less frequently seen side of the sarcophagus.  The panel displays a composite of three figures, commemorative of the spirit of the Allies of World War I. 

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• In the center of the panel stands Victory (female). 

• To Victory's right stands a male figure, symbolizing Valor. 

• On the left side stands Peace, holding a palm branch to reward the devotion and sacrifice that went with courage to make the cause of righteousness triumphant.

DETAILS:

The first Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was a sub base and a base or plinth. It was slightly smaller than the present base. This was torn away when the present Tomb was started Aug. 27, 1931. The Tomb was completed and the area opened to the public 9:15 a.m. April 9, 1932, without any ceremony. Cost of the Tomb — $48,000 Sculptor — Thomas Hudson Jones Architect — Lorimer Rich Contractors — Hagerman & Harris, New York City Inscription — Author Unknown The Tomb consists of seven pieces of rectangular marble: Four pieces in sub base; weight — 15 tons One piece in base or plinth; weight — 16 tons One piece in die; weight — 36 tons One piece in cap; weight — 12 tons Dimensions of the Tomb: Base: Width — 8 feet Length — 14 feet, 11 inches Height — 1 foot, 10 inches Die: Width — 6 feet, 4 inches Length — 12 feet, 3 1/2 inches Height — 5 feet, 5 inches Cap: Width — 6 feet, 8 inches Length — 12 feet, 7 inches Height — 1 foot, 1 3/4 inches Sub base: Height — 2 feet, 6 inches

 

Since April 6, 1948 the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has been guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  The soldiers of a new generation that stand watch over heroes from the past are all volunteers from the the 3rd U.S. Infantry, our Nation's oldest active duty infantry unit.  The changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers is one of our finest and most witnessed traditions. 

 

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For additional Information we recommend the following external link:
MOH Recipients in Arlington National Cemetery

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