Burial at Los Angeles National Cemetery: A family guide

History of Los Angeles National Cemetery

The Los Angeles National Cemetery, located across from what is now the VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care System, has grown to more than 127 acres since its late 19th century origins. The first interment dates to a few days prior to the May 22, 1889 dedication of the cemetery. In 1973, the cemetery was transferred from the then-Veterans Administration Medical Center to what was then the National Cemetery System.

The Los Angeles National Cemetery opened as one of 11 facilities operated by the Veterans Administration, on lands shared with national Veterans' homes or asylums for disabled soldiers. The Pacific Branch of the National Homes for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers was established in 1887 on Santa Monica ranch lands donated by Senator John P. Jones and Arcadia B. de Baker. The following year, the site grew by an additional 200 acres; in 1890, 20 more acres were appended for use as a Veterans' cemetery. By this time, with more than 1,000 Veterans in residence, a new hospital was erected in 1900. It was replaced in 1927 by Wadsworth Hospital, and a second facility, Brentwood Hospital, was also constructed in the 1920s.

Some of the cemetery's features are unique, including an administration building and adjoining Bob Hope Memorial Chapel (built in 1939–1940) and the NCA's only indoor columbarium, which was built in 1940–1941. These buildings were constructed by the Works Progress Administration in a distinctive Spanish Revival style of stucco and tile. The original gatehouse and entrance gates have been removed.

There are two canine burials at Los Angeles National Cemetery, although this practice is prohibited today. Old Bonus, an adopted pet of residents in the Soldiers' home; and Blackout, a war dog wounded in the Pacific during World War II, are both buried here.

Notable veterans buried at Los Angeles National Cemetery

The National Cemetery Administration documents the following veterans of note buried at Los Angeles National Cemetery, listed by section and site as recorded in the cemetery's official register.

• Medal of Honor The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force that can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States. Recipients receive the Medal of Honor from the President on behalf of Congress. It was first awarded during the Civil War and the eligibility criteria, medal design, and recognition on a recipients' grave marker have all evolved over time. There are 434 Medal of Honor recipients interred at VA national cemeteries including 6 double recipients.
• » Medal of Honor recipients interred or memorialized here:
• Sergeant First Class Chris Carr (World War II). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company L, 337th Infantry, 85th Infantry Division, for actions near Guignola, Italy, October 1–2, 1944. His citation was awarded under his given name, Christos H. Karaberis; he changed his name to Carr sometime later. Carr died in 1970 and is buried in Section 275, Row G, Site 15.
• Sergeant George H. Eldridge (Indian Wars). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company C, 6th U.S. Calvary, for actions at the Wichita River, Texas, July 12, 1870. Eldridge died in 1918 and is buried in Section 37, Row B, Site 1.
• Sergeant Harry Harvey (Philippine Insurrection). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps for actions at Benictican, Philippine Islands, February 16, 1900. Harvey died in 1929 and is buried in Section 60, Row E, Site 4.
• Sergeant Luther Kaltenbach (Civil War). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company F, 12th Iowa Infantry, for actions at Nashville, TN, December 16, 1864. Kaltenbach died in 1922 and is buried in Section 43, Row A, Site 15.
• Landsman William F. Lukes (1871 Korean Campaign). Lukes received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Navy, Company D, for actions during the capture of the Korean forts, June 9–10, 1871. Lukes died in 1923 and is buried in Section 7, Row F, Site 19.
• Color Sergeant George McKee (Civil War). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company D, 89th New York Infantry, for actions at Petersburg, VA, April 2, 1865. McKee died in 1892 and is buried in Section 1, Row G, Site 2.

Eligibility for burial at Los Angeles National Cemetery

Planning ahead for a Veteran's or loved-one's final resting place can eliminate unnecessary delays and reduce stress on a family at a difficult time.

The Department of Veterans Affairs covers the grave plot, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a government-furnished headstone or marker, and a U.S. burial flag at no cost to eligible families.

Visiting hours

Visitation Hours: Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Open Memorial Day from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed federal holidays except Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

How to schedule a burial at Los Angeles National Cemetery

1. The funeral home or family contacts the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117 (24/7 for active funeral arrangements).
2. Provide the veteran's full name, date of birth, social security number, dates of service, branch, and date of death.
3. Fax or email the DD-214 to the cemetery's interment office for verification.
4. Once eligibility is confirmed (typically 30–60 minutes for complete documentation), the cemetery assigns a date, time, and committal shelter.
5. The funeral home transports the deceased to Los Angeles National Cemetery at the assigned time. The cemetery handles opening, closing, and perpetual care from that point.

Where Los Angeles National Cemetery sits in the California cemetery system

Los Angeles National Cemetery is one of the veteran cemeteries operating in California. The cemetery is currently closed to new in-ground burials but may accept cremated remains in some cases. Families should verify status before planning.

For families considering alternatives, the nearest veteran cemeteries appear in our cemetery sidebar. If Los Angeles National Cemetery is fully reserved, those alternatives are typically the next options.