Burial at Springfield National Cemetery: A family guide

History of Springfield National Cemetery

Springfield National Cemetery is located on what was once the Kickapoo Prairie in Green County, MO.

Settlers began arriving in southwest Missouri in 1822, making their way north up the James River and its tributaries. But it was only after removal of the Kickapoo and Delaware Indians in 1830 that permanent settlement became possible. John Polk Campbell is credited as the founder of Springfield. He arrived with his brother Madison in 1829, and upon finding a viable water supply carved his initials on an ash tree to establish his claim. Other settlers arrived almost daily and it was not long before a settlement developed, complete with stores, mills, a school and post office. By 1838 the town had been officially incorporated.

In 1861, Springfield was the site of the Missouri State Convention to determine its future as part of the Union. The governor favored secession. Delegates urged approval of the Crittendon Resolutions (then before Congress), which would have legalized slavery where it already existed, and would let new states decide their own rights and would reimburse slave owners for losses caused by abolitionist raids. Delegates ultimately decided against secession and opposed any military action by either side; but if the federal government declared war on the South, they would join the Confederate ranks.

The Battle of Wilson Creek, the first major Civil War engagement west of the Mississippi River, was fought in Springfield on August 10, 1861, and involved about 5,400 Union troops and 12,000 Confederates. Although the battle was a Confederate victory, the South failed to capitalize on its success; it led to greater federal military activity in Missouri and set the stage for the Battle of Pea Ridge in March 1862.

Notable veterans buried at Springfield National Cemetery

The National Cemetery Administration documents the following veterans of note buried at Springfield 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 Harrison Collins (Civil War). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company A, 1st Tennessee Cavalry, for actions at Richland Creek, TN, December 24, 1864. Collins died in 1890 and is buried in Section 26, Site 1357B.
• Captain Patrick Pentzer (Civil War). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company C, 97th Illinois Infantry, for actions at Blakely, AL, April 9, 1865. Pentzer died in 1901 and is buried in Section 24, Site 1696.
• Corporal Orion P. Howe (Civil War). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company C, 55th Illinois Infantry, for actions at Vicksburg, MS, May 19, 1863. Howe died in 1930 and is buried in Section 4, Site 207A.
• Pharmacist's Mate Third Class Jack Williams (World War II). He received the Medal of Honor posthumously for service in the U.S. Naval Reserves with the 3d Battalion, 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division, in recognition of self-sacrificing administration of first aid to others during the occupation of Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, March 3, 1945. Williams is buried in Section 30, Site 2375.
• Chief Pharmacist Fred H. McGuire (Philippines, 1911). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Navy, for actions while attached to the USS Pampanga on the island of Basilan, Philippine Islands, September 24, 1911. McGuire died in 1958 and is buried in Section 29, Site 332.
• Other Burials The following Buffalo Soldiers are buried at the cemetery: James McBroom (Section 29, Site 26) Arthur Wilburn (Section 29, Site 21) Johnnie L. Burston (Section 29, Site 30) Ed G. Rickman (Section 29, Site 495) Pryor Sharp (Section 29, Site 466)

Eligibility for burial at Springfield 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 dawn to dusk. Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on Christmas and New Year's Day.

How to schedule a burial at Springfield 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 Springfield National Cemetery at the assigned time. The cemetery handles opening, closing, and perpetual care from that point.

Where Springfield National Cemetery sits in the Missouri cemetery system

Springfield National Cemetery is one of the veteran cemeteries operating in Missouri. The cemetery is currently operating with limited burial availability. Families should verify status before planning.

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