Many people know the incredible accomplishments of General George S. Patton, Jr. during his World War I and World War II roles. He’s known for his robust accomplishments in World War I commanding the US Army’s Light Tank Corps and in World War II commanding the 3d Army. However, some of his earlier impacts are seen right here at Fort Myer.⠀ ⠀ You can see the spire of the Fort Myer Old Post Chapel rising to the sky in the lefthand side of this image. It lies adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery and is the start of many a full honors service here in the cemetery. ⠀ ⠀ While at Fort Myer, Patton left his mark on the US Army and the post with some of his contributions still seen today — just like this chapel shown here today. Few people know about his involvement in the construction of the Old Post Chapel, but it just one of many things Patton was involved in starting and pioneering here on post. – Arlington Media

Many people know the incredible accomplishments of General George S. Patton, Jr. during his World War I and World War II roles. He’s known for his robust accomplishments in World War I commanding the US Army’s Light Tank Corps and in World War II commanding the 3d Army. However, some of his earlier impacts are seen right here at Fort Myer.⠀ ⠀ You can see the spire of the Fort Myer Old Post Chapel rising to the sky in the lefthand side of this image. It lies adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery and is the start of many a full honors service here in the cemetery. ⠀ ⠀ While at Fort Myer, Patton left his mark on the US Army and the post with some of his contributions still seen today — just like this chapel shown here today. Few people know about his involvement in the construction of the Old Post Chapel, but it just one of many things Patton was involved in starting and pioneering here on post.

Post author:Clifford Crittenden
Post published:September 4, 2020
Post category:Uncategorized

¹ DEPENDENT SERVICES
When a spouse or other dependent of a current or former member of the Armed Forces is buried at Arlington, the military service in which the primary party served will provide:

A chaplain
A casket team (body bearers / pall bearers)

No other military funeral honors will be rendered unless the spouse also served in the military.

² STANDARD HONORS SERVICES
Enlisted service members, WO-1 through CW-3, and O-1 through O-3, interred/inurned at Arlington National Cemetery will receive honors provided by the decedent’s branch of service. These honors include:

A chaplain
A casket team (body bearers / pall bearers)
A firing party
A bugler

³ FULL HONORS SERVICES
In addition to the standard military funeral honors, some Commissioned and Warrant officers and senior non-Commissioned Officer with a pay grade of E-9, CW-4 and CW-5, and O-4 and above:

ARMY: Sergeant Major (SGM), Command Sergeant Major (CSM), Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA),
NAVY & COAST GUARD: Master Chief Petty Officer (MCPO), Fleet/Command Master Chief Petty Officer, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON), or Coast Guard (MCPOCG),
MARINES: Master Gunnery Sergeant (MGySgt), Sergeant Major (SgtMaj), Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps (SgtMajMC),
AIR FORCE: Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt), First Sergeant, Command Chief Master Sergeant, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (CMSAF),

are eligible for full military funeral honors at Arlington National Cemetery including:

A chaplain
A casket team (body bearers / pall bearers)
A firing party
A bugler
A military band
An escort platoon (size varies according to the rank of the deceased)

Additionally, those eligible for full military funeral honors at Arlington National Cemetery may use the caisson (UNAVAILABLE until June 2024), if available. Officers in the rank of colonel and above in the Army and the Marine Corps may be provided a caparisoned (riderless) horse, if available. General/flag officers may receive a cannon salute (17 guns for a four-star general, 15 for a three-star, 13 for a two-star, 11 for a one-star), if available.