VVA Chapter PI 887

3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) 

Enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1959 during the Civil Rights Movement, SP4 Fred Moore volunteered for service in the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). At 6’1″, 185 pounds and a member of 3rd Platoon, Honor Guard Company, Moore conducted burials in Arlington National Cemetery, marched in parades and participated in various ceremonies.

When Ghanaian President Kwame Nkrumah visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during his official state visit, he asked President Kennedy why he did not see anyone of color performing duties as a Sentinel. Shortly after, Moore was directed to report to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for training. On a crisp morning in March of 1961, SP4 Fred Moore stepped onto the marble floor to perform his first walk as an official Tomb Guard.

He was the first African-American Tomb Sentinel.

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