Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Fort Richardson National Cemetery
Fort Richardson National Cemetery is located on the Fort Richardson Military Reservation in Anchorage, Alaska. During World War II, 39 acres of Fort Richardson were set aside for use as a temporary burial site where deceased soldiers—regardless of nationality—could be laid to rest. Under the international program for the return of war dead, most of the soldiers interred at Fort Richardson were returned to their families. There were, however, some soldiers who remained buried at Fort Richardson either because the next of kin could not be found or their families requested that they remain interred in Alaska.
In December 1946, the temporary cemetery at Fort Richardson was made a permanent site. Initially there were two sections in the cemetery. The remains of Allied soldiers were buried within a fenced area referred to as the "Allied Plot." Japanese soldiers who died in battles for the Aleutian Islands were buried outside the fence in an area designated as the "Enemy Plot." In July 1953, the 235 Japanese war dead buried at Fort Richardson were disinterred for proper cremation with appropriate Shinto and Buddhist ceremonies, under the supervision of the Japanese Embassy. In May 1981, a group of Japanese citizens in Anchorage had a new marker made to remember the soldiers who, in death, remain far from home.
Perhaps the most famous resident of Fort Richardson National Cemetery was Kermit Roosevelt, son of the 26th U.S. President, Theodore Roosevelt. Kermit, who had held previous commissions in both the British and U.S. armies, was assigned to the Alaska Defense Command during World War II. He often accompanied pilots on their missions over the Aleutian Islands and played an active role in recruiting the native Alaskan tribes to join a territorial militia. Troubled by alcoholism and depression through much of his life, Major Roosevelt committed suicide at Fort Richardson June 3, 1943. His wife, Belle Roosevelt, advised then Chief of Staff General Dwight D. Eisenhower, that she wished for Kermit to be buried at the site. His father, she conveyed, had always said: "Where a tree falls, there let it lay."
On May 28, 1984, Fort Richardson Post Cemetery became Fort Richardson National Cemetery under the administration of the National Cemetery System. At the time of the transfer, all but 700 of the 2,000 gravesites had been used or reserved.
The cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 5, 2012.
Monuments and Memorials A memorial stone gateway for Major Kermit Roosevelt, son of President Theodore Roosevelt, was erected around 1949. Major Roosevelt was interred at the cemetery on June 8, 1943.
The Japanese cenotaph was erected in memory of 235 Japanese soldiers who died in Alaska during World War II in the battle for the Aleutian Islands. Of the 235 soldiers buried at the cemetery, most died in the Battle of Attu. A new cenotaph was erected in September 2002 to replace the aging cenotaph that had been in place since May 1981.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Fort Richardson 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:
Master Sergeant James Leroy Bondsteel (Vietnam).
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company A, 2d Battalion, 2d Infantry, 1st Infantry Division, for actions in Loc Province, Republic of Vietnam, May 24, 1969. Bondsteel died in 1987 and is buried in Section H, Site 19.
Other Burials Major Kermit Roosevelt, son of President Theodore Roosevelt, died June 4, 1943 at age 53.
He was born October 10, 1889, at Sagamore Hill in Oyster Bay, New York. Major Roosevelt served during two wars and under two flags. He first fought with the British in the Middle East, and subsequently served with the American Expeditionary Forces in France. His memoirs of this war are titled War in the Garden of Eden. During World War II, he was again commissioned in the British Army before the United States entered the war, after which he was commissioned as a major in the Army and assigned to Fort Richardson. While in Alaska he flew with Army pilots as an observer when they made bomb runs over Japanese positions in the Aleutians. He also established a territorial militia of Eskimos and Aleuts to form the backbone of an insurgent underground should the Japanese overrun the region. Upon his death, his widow requested his remains be interred at Fort Richardson. He was interred in Section A, Site 22, on June 8, 1943.
Eligibility for burial at Fort Richardson 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
From the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, travel West on International Airport Road approximately 2.9 miles to Minnesota Drive exit north. Proceed on Minnesota Drive for 6.1 miles to 6th Avenue, turn right. Proceed through town for 4.8 miles. Continue on to AK-1/Glenn Highway north to Milepost 7 at the JBER-Richardson exit. Turn left at the top of the exit ramp, proceed to the JBER (Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson) military gate. If you do not have the proper credentials to enter a military installation, pull over into the Visitor's Center parking lot and get a Day Pass to visit the cemetery. A picture ID and proof of a legal vehicle will be needed inside the Visitor's Center for the DOD personnel to issue an access pass. If you have credentials, show them to the Military at the security control gate. Follow D Street 1 1/2 miles to 6th Street and turn right on 6th Street. Follow 6th Street 1/4 mile to the T intersection and turn right on Davis Highway. Travel one mile; the cemetery will be on your left.
NOTE: This cemetery is located within an active military reservation. No weapons are allowed and all vehicles are subject to search. Please obey all signage concerning speeds and troop movement.
Floral and grounds policy
Cemetery policies are conspicuously posted and readily visible to the public.
Floral arrangements accompanying the casket or urn at the time of burial will be placed on the completed grave. Fresh cut flowers may be placed on graves at any time of the year. They will be removed when they become unsightly or when it becomes necessary to facilitate cemetery operations such as mowing. Please leave only two arrangements at gravesite.
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
We are developing educational content for this national cemetery, and will post new materials as they become available. Visit the Veterans Legacy Program and NCA History Program for additional information. Thank you for your interest.
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Nearest cemeteries
The three closest veteran cemeteries to Fort Richardson National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Sitka National Cemetery — Sitka, AK (584 mi · open)
- Metlakatla Veterans Memorial Cemetery — Metlakatla, AK (779 mi · open)
- Fort Worden Post Cemetery — Port Townsend, WA (1389 mi · closed)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Fort Richardson National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Cremation Society of Alaska is a premier funeral home located at 1306 East 74Th Avenue in Anchorage, AK. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones. General services start at $1,795. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $6,650, while direct cremation is available from $1,295. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.8-star Google rating across 158 reviews.
Cremation Society of Alaska - Mat-Su Valley is a premier funeral home located at 5050 Dunbar Dr. in Wasilla, AK. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site crematory, chapel (45 seat), and arrangement room. Professional offerings include traditional funeral followed by cremation, direct cremation, and cremation with memorial service, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,795. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $1,795. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic and Christian (various denominations).