Lawrence E. Pathel
Founding Life Member since 1999

Duty Position(s):
Sentinel
Relief Commander

Relief:
1st, Relief Commander
3rd, Sentinel

Dates:
May 1973 - January 1975

Brief Army History:
Drafted, March 1971 - 1978

Units:
Company D, 3d US Infantry (The Old Guard), Fort Myer, VA
Company E, (Honor Guard) 3d US Infantry (The Old Guard), Fort Myer, VA
*Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
*1st Presidential Marching Platoon
2d Military Intelligence Detachment, 2d Infantry Division, Republic of Korea
US Army-Element, Defense Investigative Service, Fort Bragg

TUS Pictures 003.jpg (172477 bytes)

Personal gallery


Awards / Decorations:
Army Commendation Medal (2nd Award)
Army Good Conduct Medal (2nd Award)
National Defense Service Medal
Tomb Guard Identification Badge

Campaigns:

Highest Rank:

Staff Sergeant
(E-6)


Home City / State:
Columbia, SC

Date of Birth:
June 12, 1951


After the Army:
Upon my discharge from the US Army, I was employed by the Department of Defense as a civilian investigator with the Defense Investigative Service (DIS). I worked with them from June 1978 until February 1983 in my hometown of Columbia, SC. 

In 1983, I was hired by the University of South Carolina (USC) Police Department, also in Columbia, SC.  I have worked for USC ever since and I am currently the Deputy Director in charge of Investigations and Management Services.

Current Occupation:
Deputy Director, Investigations & Management Services, University of South Carolina

Family:
I married my childhood sweetheart, Suzy, and we live happily in West Columbia, SC.  I have two children, Lawrence II and Stephanie, who live in Phoenix, AZ.  I also have six grandchildren.

Degrees/Schooling:
Bachelor of Science, College of Criminal Justice, University of South Carolina
Graduate, Southern Police Institute, University of Louisville
Graduate, South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy

Most Memorable Moment at Tomb:
Christmas is always a special day, even in Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  However, because most people are at home enjoying the holiday with family and loved ones, the cemetery does not have its normal large crowd of visitors.  Because there are hardly no other visitors to the Unknowns, the guards have established their own long-standing tradition of laying a wreath at the Tomb on Christmas Day. 

Tradition has it that the "newest" badge holder assists in the solemn ceremony by presenting the wreath to the "oldest" badge holder who represents all Tomb Guards in honor of the ultimate sacrifice made by the Unknown.  The "oldest badge" holder is always escorted by the Sergeant of the Guard.  (The "newest" and "oldest" badge holder is in terms of when one received the Tomb Guard Identification Badge--not in terms of physical age or length of military service.)  

On Christmas Day 1974, I happened to be the "oldest" badge holder and was honored to be the Tomb Guards' representative as we took time to remember our fallen comrade.  I was escorted to the wreath by the Sergeant of the Guard, Master Sergeant William R. Rucker, and we were accompanied by all others who were assigned to Tomb Guard duty at that time. It was an extremely solemn occasion and I took great pride in being able to participate.  It is a day I will never forget.

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