Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Beaufort National Cemetery
Beaufort National Cemetery is located in Beaufort County on Port Royal Island within the city limits of Beaufort, SC. The cemetery best distinguished by a landscape plan in which the burial sections are arranged in the shape of a half-circle with roads arranged like the spokes of a wheel.
Although local Native Americans had inhabited the region for thousands of years, it was not until 1514 that Beaufort County became the site of the second landing of Europeans on the North American continent. After an extended period of settlement, in 1587 the Spanish withdrew from the region in the wake of attacks by the English in Florida. For approximately eight decades the land was left to its original inhabitants. Eventually, King Charles II granted the territory to a group of eight proprietors who named it "Carolina" after their benefactor. The first settlers included many Barbadians, and Carolina came to more closely resemble the plantation economy of the West Indies than the other mainland colonies. In 1711, a year after the territory was divided into South Carolina and North Carolina, the town of Beaufort was founded.
Prior to the Civil War, Beaufort was a center of culture and affluence in the American South. Immense fortunes were made through the cultivation of rice, indigo, and later, long-staple sea cotton. Wealthy plantation owners had summer homes in Beaufort where they could benefit from cool breezes coming off the Beaufort River. The town was also a hotbed of secessionist sentiment. In 1860, the first meeting to draft the Ordinance of Secession (by which South Carolina led the withdrawal of the southern states from the Union), was held in Beaufort. As a result, the city was an early target of Federal forces.
South Carolina formally seceded from the Union on December 20, 1860. One month later, a Union fleet circled Port Royal Sound and within less than a year after secession Union forces occupied the city, and held it for the balance of the war. The Confederate Fort Walker was renamed Fort Welles, becoming the center of a large garrison that at one point had as many as 50,000 occupants. Fort Welles served as the headquarters of the Department of the South and the refueling and supply depot for the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. General William Tecumseh Sherman's march through the state at war's end left a trail of destruction that brushed Beaufort County. The war, while not physically decimating the area, claimed one-fifth of the white male population of the state and shattered its economy.
The original interments in the cemetery were men who died in the nearby Union hospitals during the occupation and were initially buried in several places — among them East Florida and Hilton Head. About 2,800 remains were removed from cemeteries in Millen and Lawton, GA, and reinterred in the national cemetery; 117 Confederate soldiers are also interred here.
In May 1987, souvenir hunters using metal detectors on Folly's Island near Charleston discovered the remains of 19 Union soldiers. The South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology identified the remains as members of the 55th Regiment and the 1st North Carolina Infantry. Both units were composed of black troops who fought side by side with the 54th Massachusetts Regiment. The 1989 Memorial Day program at Beaufort National Cemetery featured the reinterment of the 19 Union soldiers missing in action since 1863. The Honor Guard for the service was composed of actors from the cast of the movie "Glory," which was being filmed nearby.
Beaufort National Cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.
Monuments and Memorials The 1870s Union Soldiers monument was erected in honor of 174 unknown Union dead buried at the cemetery; it is marble set on a brick base.
A large granite monument dedicated to "the Defenders of American Liberty Against the Great Rebellion" was erected during the 1880s.
Blue Star Memorial was installed in 1998. Sponsored by the Beaufort Garden Club in cooperation with the Garden Club of South Carolina, the marker is a tribute to American men and women who have served, are serving, or will served their county. Its symbolism is linked to World War II, when families of service members displayed in a home window a square flag decorated with a blue star to signify that a loved was in the armed forces.
The "Fighting Fourth" Marine Monument was erected and dedicated in 1995 by the Fourth Marine Division Association, Carolina Chapter No. 26.
In 1997, a memorial in honor of Confederate soldiers interred at the cemetery was installed.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Beaufort National Cemetery, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
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:
Private First Class Ralph H.
Johnson (Vietnam). Ralph Johnson was born in Charleston, SC, on January 11, 1949. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves in March 1967, and thereafter, the regular USMC, to fight in the Vietnam War. On March 5, 1968, PFC Johnson and his patrol, overlooking the Quan Duc Valley, were attacked by enemy forces. Johnson threw himself on a grenade and warned his comrades; actions that prevented the enemy from advancing and saved the life of a fellow marine. PFC Johnson received the Medal of Honor posthumously. The Charleston VA Medical Center was renamed for him in September 1991, and the navy named a destroyer (USS Ralph Johnson DDG 114) after him in 2015. Johnson's remains were interred in Beaufort National Cemetery in March 1970, in Section 3, Site 21.
Captain John James McGinty III (Vietnam).
McGinty was born in Boston in 1940, and he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps after graduating from high school. In 1966, McGinty began a tour of duty in Vietnam. On July 18, attacked by the North Vietnamese and severely wounded in the left eye, he saved the lives of dozens of men. McGinty received the Medal of Honor from President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968. Later, as a born-again Christian, a faith that rejects idolatry, he chose to not display the medal because it features the image of Minerva. Captain McGinty retired in 1976 and worked at the VA Medical Center in San Diego, CA. He died January 17, 2014, and is buried in Section D, Site 703.
Other Burials Colonel Donald Conroy, "The Great Santini" is interred in Section 62, Grave 182.
Charles "Chuck" Taliano was born in Ohio in 1945 and served in the U.S.
Marines from 1964 to 1968. Sergeant Taliano trained at Parris Island, SC, and was posted there as a drill Instructor in 1966. Photographed while addressing a recruit shortly before his tour ended, he became the face of the service during the Vietnam Era. The picture of Taliano, captioned "We don't promise you a rose garden," appeared on recruiting posters into the 1990s. After a civilian career in publishing, Taliano retired to Beaufort and ran a gift shop on Parris Island where he received thousands of visitors every year. Many men said they joined the marines because of Taliano. He died June 4, 2010, and is buried in Beaufort National Cemetery .
Section A, Grave 120
Nineteen Union Soldiers of the all black Massachusetts 54th and 55th Infantry were removed from Folly Island, SC, and reinterred here with full military honors on Memorial Day, May 29, 1989.
South Carolinian Joseph Simmons was born in 1899.
He attended the Penn School on St. Helena Island, one of the country's first schools for freed slaves, and enlisted in the army on February 18, 1918. Master Sergeant. Simmons fought with the French during World War I, attached to the 5th Marines in three campaigns, including Belleau Wood. During World War II, Simmons served with the 25th Infantry, Buffalo Soldiers. An interest in music led to his becoming assistant bandleader, 92nd Division, in 1944. Simmons served for 34 years in all. For his World War I service, he received the French Legion of Honor Medal just a few weeks before his 100th birthday. He died September 24, 1999 .
Section 2, Grave 2
Gerd Reussel, German World War II Prisoner of War, Section PB61, Grave 18.
On February 11, 1962, eight U.S.
servicemen and two South Vietnamese air force personnel died when their C47 transport plane was shot down between Saigon and Danang. The mission was to drop propaganda leaflets with lunar new year wishes to Vietnamese people. Among the dead were six members of the U.S. Air Force — the first USAF casualties of the Vietnam conflict. The remains of USAF Technical Sergeant Floyd M. Frazier (b. 1927) and Army Specialist 4th Class Glen F. Merrihew (b.1940) were comingled because of the crash, and Beaufort National Cemetery was selected by the military for their burial between the decedents' next of kin. Frazier, the youngest of twelve, was survived by his wife Doris and three children. Merrihew, just 21 years old, was due for discharge in September; sister Leona was his legal guardian. Funeral services were held March 12, 1962 .
Section 42, Gravesite 234
Eligibility for burial at Beaufort 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.
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Burial in a VA national cemetery is open to all members of the armed forces who have met a minimum active duty service requirement and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
Directions
The cemetery is located within the Beaufort city limits, 42 miles north of the Savannah (GA) International Airport. From Savannah, take U.S. Interstate 95 North, then State Hwy 278 East, exit on State Hwy 170 North to U.S Highway 21 South. Cemetery is approximately one mile on the left on U.S. Highway 21 South, which is also Boundary Street.
Floral and grounds policy
Our cemetery floral regulations exist only to reflect the honor and respect we hold for our Nation's Veterans, by preserving the dignity and solemnity of their final resting place.
We welcome fresh-cut flowers throughout the year using cemetery-supplied floral vases. The vases are in bins throughout the cemetery.
Weapons policy
VA regulations 38 CFR 1.218 prohibit the carrying of firearms (either openly or concealed), explosives or other dangerous or deadly weapons while on VA property, except for official purposes, such as military funeral honors.
Possession of firearms on any property under the charge and control of VA is prohibited. Offenders may be subject to a fine, removal from the premises, or arrest.
Education and visiting programs
More than half of VA's national cemeteries originated with the Civil War and many are closed to some burials. Other sites were established to serve World War veterans and they continue to expand. Historic themes related with NCA's cemeteries and soldiers' lots vary, but visitors should understand "Why is it here?" NCA began by installing interpretive signs, or waysides, at more than 100 properties to observe the Civil War Sesquicentennial (2011–2015). Please follow the links below to see the interpretive signs for Beaufort National Cemetery.
A National Cemetery System Beaufort National Cemetery View Videos and an Educational Lesson Plan about this cemetery, or visit the Veterans Legacy Program and NCA History Program for additional information. Thank you for your interest.
Nearest cemeteries
The three closest veteran cemeteries to Beaufort National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery - Glennville — Glennville, GA (80 mi · open)
- Fort Jackson National Cemetery — Columbia, SC (115 mi · open)
- Florence National Cemetery Annex — Florence, SC (132 mi · open)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Beaufort National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Copeland Funeral Service is a premier funeral home located at 1 Copeland Drive in Beaufort, SC. The property features well-appointed spaces including copeland funeral service chapel and beaufort memorial gardens. Professional offerings include cremation, funeral services, and personal services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,093. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $2,081.
The Island Funeral Home & Crematory is a premier funeral home located at 4 Cardinal Road in Hilton Head Island, SC. The property features well-appointed spaces including recently renovated, multiple chapels, and reception room. Professional offerings include cremation services, funeral & memorial services, and funeral preplanning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,845. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,610, while direct cremation is available from $2,845. The standard basic services fee for the funeral director and staff is $2,475. Additional typical expenses include embalming ($800) and use of facilities for viewing ($415). The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Jewish (Kosher, Ritual Washing, Tahara Room) and Multicultural (adaptable to various religious traditions). The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.9-star Google rating across 167 reviews.
Sauls Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 90 Simmonsville Road in Bluffton, SC. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel, crematorium, and memorial gardens. Professional offerings include personalized funeral services, cremation services, and immediate need, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,850. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $2,665. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Jewish (Reform-oriented), Catholic, Baptist, and Presbyterian.
Sauls Funeral Home of Ridgeland is a premier funeral home located at 310 W. Adams Street in Ridgeland, SC. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site chapel. Professional offerings include cremation services, traditional services, and memorial service, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors.
Simplicity Lowcountry Cremation & Burial Services - Bluffton is a premier funeral home located at 17 Sherington Drive Suite D in Bluffton, SC. The property features well-appointed spaces including arrangement center, chapel, and audio visual equipment. Professional offerings include cremation services, funeral preplanning, and prepaid cremation, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,330. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,825, while direct cremation is available from $1,330. The standard basic services fee for the funeral director and staff is $2,055. Additional typical expenses include embalming ($600) and use of facilities for viewing ($645). The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.9-star Google rating across 151 reviews.
Riley's Funeral Home - Hampton Chapel, Inc. is a premier funeral home located at 126 Pepper Street in Hampton, SC. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones. Professional offerings include veteran services, pre-planning, and cremation, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,150. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,450, while direct cremation is available from $2,150.
Walker's Mortuary Chapel of Peace is a premier funeral home located at 3407 Old Pond Road in Johns Island, SC. The property features well-appointed spaces including memorial chapel. Professional offerings include traditional funerals, cremations, and pre-need arrangements, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,075. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $1,400. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Baptist. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.4-star Google rating across 17 reviews.
Bonaventure Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 2520 Bonaventure Road in Savannah, GA. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones.