On September 6, 1901, President William McKinley was shot by an anarchist while visiting the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. McKinley died of his wounds on September 14. He was buried September 18 at the Westlawn Cemetery in Canton, Ohio.
The U.S. Army provided a guard of honor at McKinley’s Tomb, which at various times, included members of the 3d Infantry Regiment. A 36-man detachment from Company M maintained the vigil from December 1902 through July 1903.
On December 31, 1903, the 3rd Infantry again provided guards for the detail. Captain Paul Giddings oversaw the Company D detachment, which would remain at its post until March 1904. On a side note, Captain Giddings later commanded the 3d Infantry Regiment from 1919 to 1921.
Another detachment, fielded by men from multiple companies of the Regiment relieved Company D, but rejoined the Regiment at Fort Thomas, Kentucky a month later.
The tomb guard mission was reduced in 1909, as a domed tomb was completed and opened to the public.
Old Guard History 
His grandfather was a veteran of the War of 1812.
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