Burial at Vancouver Barracks National Cemetery: A family guide

History of Vancouver Barracks National Cemetery

Vancouver Barracks Post Cemetery became a VA National Cemetery on March 6, 2020, when it was transferred to NCA by the Department of the Army in fulfillment of Executive Order 13781 and the VA's own Agency Reform plan. It was the fifth cemetery transferred to the NCA by the Army since June 2019.

Vancouver Barracks was established in 1849 as the first U.S. Army post in the Pacific Northwest. It closed as an active post in 2011. The cemetery contains more than 1,500 occupied gravesites, including U.S. military personnel, civilians, foreign personnel, German and Italian POW's, Native Americans and Unknowns.

Notable veterans buried at Vancouver Barracks National Cemetery

The National Cemetery Administration documents the following veterans of note buried at Vancouver Barracks 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:
• First Sergeant James M. Hill (Indian War Campaigns). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, 5th U.S. Cavalry, for "Gallantry in action" at Turret Mountain, AZ, on March 25, 1873. Hill died in 1919 and is buried in Section 4W, Grave 650.
• First Lieutenant William W. McCammon (American Civil War). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company E, 24th Missouri Infantry, for actions in Corinth, MS, on October 3, 1862. Citation: "While on duty as provost marshal, voluntarily assumed command of his company, then under fire, and so continued in command until the repulse and retreat of the enemy on the following day, the loss to this company during the battle being very great." McCammon died in 1903 and is buried in Section 4W, Grave 412.
• Musician Herman Pfisterer (War with Spain). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company H, 21st Infantry, for actions in Santiago, Cuba, on July 1, 1898. Citation: "Gallantly assisted in the rescue of the wounded from in front of the lines and under heavy fire from the enemy." Pfisterer died in 1905 and is buried in Section 4E, Grave 448.
• First Sergeant Moses Williams (Indian War Campaigns). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company I, 9th U.S. Cavalry, for actions at foothills of the Cuchillo Negro Mountains, New Mexico, on August 16, 1881. Citation: "Rallied a detachment, skillfully conducted a running fight of 3 or 4 hours, and by his coolness, bravery, and unflinching devotion to duty in standing by his commanding officer in an exposed position under a heavy fire from a large party of Indians saved the lives of at least three of his comrades." Williams died in 1899 and is buried in Section 8W, Grave 393.

Eligibility for burial at Vancouver Barracks 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 at Willamette National Cemetery: Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed federal holidays except Memorial Day (8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.) and Veterans Day (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) Please note: Cemetery offices are off-site. Willamette National Cemetery oversees this cemetery.

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

Where Vancouver Barracks National Cemetery sits in the Washington cemetery system

Vancouver Barracks National Cemetery is one of the veteran cemeteries operating in Washington. 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 Vancouver Barracks National Cemetery is fully reserved, those alternatives are typically the next options.