Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Golden Gate National Cemetery
Golden Gate National Cemetery was one of seven national cemeteries established during the expansion of the National Cemetery System between the World Wars, specifically in 1934–1939. This first major expansion since the Civil War was due to an increased veteran population, combined with the rapidly depleting burial space at existing national cemeteries. Locations for the cemeteries were chosen primarily on the basis of where veterans lived. The other interwar cemeteries are Baltimore, Maryland; Fort Bliss and Fort Sam Houston, Texas; Fort Snelling, Minnesota; Fort Rosecrans, California; and Long Island, New York national cemeteries.
San Francisco National Cemetery, established in that city's Presidio in 1884 and in view of Golden Gate Bridge, was reaching capacity by the mid-1930s. In 1937 Congress authorized construction of a new national cemetery in the city's suburbs. San Bruno, 12 miles south, was selected. Instead of naming the cemetery after its location as was customary, Golden Gate was chosen; the misnomer has created confusion ever since. By the end of 1940, San Francisco National Cemetery was closed to burials.
The land occupied by Golden Gate National Cemetery originally belonged to a Native American group known as the "Buri Buri." The Spanish government acquired it around 1797. In 1827, the new Mexican government sold the land to José Antonio Sanchez, a decorated military officer known for his campaigns against Native tribes. His family retained the property after it became a U.S. territory, and by 1875 it was purchased by R.G. Sneath for a ranch. Thereafter it was sold to the Jersey Farm Company, which sold the approximately 162 acres to the federal government in 1938.
The U.S. Army Quartermaster began construction in June 1940 with assistance from the New Deal's Works Progress Administration (WPA), whose labor force graded the first four burial sections without heavy equipment. July 4, 1941 marked the cemetery's dedication, but the first three interments occurred on June 2, 1941. The cemetery has an L-shaped footprint with low-rolling hills interspersed with flat terrain features and a manmade mound that covers a reservoir where two large tracts intersect. The mound features a monumental flagpole circle and speaker's platform. The cemetery is distinguished by monumental entrance gates and a complex of buildings and structures built in a Mediterranean Revival style, completed in 1941. The symmetrical one-story granite buildings contain the administrative office, residential lodge, chapel, and maintenance functions. Golden Gate is one of seventy-eight VA national cemeteries that feature burial sections that use either upright headstones or flat grave markers.
In the early 1960s the cemetery started filling rapidly because large numbers of veterans from World War II, Korea, and eventually Vietnam were dying. Additionally, the cemetery's location as a major military port of embarkation meant it received many repatriated war dead from WWII through the Cold War. Original roadways in the cemetery were removed between 1962 and 1966 to accommodate the number of burials. However, the cemetery was at full capacity by 1966, decades sooner than anticipated. Attempts to expand the cemetery have failed.
Monuments and Memorials There are nineteen memorial objects at Golden Gate National Cemetery. Twelve of these are small, flat bronze plaques set adjacent to the speaker's platform on Circle Drive. These primarily circular plaques are evenly spaced within a rectangular platform lined by low concrete retaining walls.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Golden Gate 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:
Major Edward A.
Bennett (World War II). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company B, 358th Infantry, 90th Infantry Division, for actions near Heckhuscheid, Germany, February 1945. Bennett died in 1983 and is buried in Section 2B, Site 1071-A.
Master Sergeant Vito R.
Bertoldo (World War II). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company A, 242nd Infantry, 42nd Infantry Division, for actions near Hatten, France, January 9–10, 1945. Bertoldo died in 1966 and is buried in Section C, Site 52-A.
Lieutenant John Joseph Clausey.
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Navy on board the U.S.S. Bennington for extraordinary heroism when a boiler exploded on the vessel at San Diego, CA, July 21, 1905. Clausey died in 1951 and is buried in Section C, Site 121-B.
Corporal John O.
Dahlgren (Boxer Rebellion). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps for actions during the battle of Peking, China, June 20–July 16, 1900. Dahlgren died in 1963 and is buried in Section Z, Site 1950.
First Lieutenant John Francis DeSwan (Spanish-American War).
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company H, 21st U.S. Infantry, for actions at Santiago, Cuba, July 1, 1898. DeSwan died in 1956 and is buried in Section R, Site 195-A.
First Sergeant Mosheim Feaster (Indian Wars).
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company E, 7th U.S. Cavalry, for actions at Wounded Knee Creek, South Dakota, December 29, 1890. Feaster died in 1950 and is buried in Section O, Site 319.
Sergeant Paul H.
Foster (Vietnam). He received the Medal of Honor posthumously for service in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, in recognition of heroism and unhesitating self-sacrifice that saved his comrades from further injury near Con Thien, Republic of Vietnam, October 14, 1967. Foster is buried in Section V, Site 4764.
Sergeant Edward H.
Gibson (Philippine Insurrection). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company M, 27th Infantry, for actions at San Mateo, Philippine Islands, December 19, 1899. Gibson died in 1942 and is buried in Section L, Site 7791.
Private First Class Harold Gonsalves (World War II).
Harold Gonsalves of California enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1943 and served with the 4th Battalion, 15th Marines, 6th Marine Division. On April 15, 1945, in the Ryukyu Chain, Japan, Gonsalves gave his life to protect fellow marines from a grenade blast by using his body. He received the Medal of Honor on June 19, 1946, posthumously and is buried in Section B, Site 61.
Captain Nelson M.
Holderman (World War I). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, 307th Infantry, 77th Division, for actions northeast of Binarville, in the forest of Argonne, France, October 2–8, 1918. Holderman died in 1953 and is buried in Section R, Site 17.
Eligibility for burial at Golden Gate 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.
Request eligibility status for:
Veteran or servicemember Spouse Dependent family member Apply online »
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
Cemetery is located in the North end section of San Bruno. From San Francisco International Airport, proceed North on Highway 101 to San Bruno 380 exit and proceed to El Camino Real North. Turn right on El Camino Real; then left on Sneath Lane. The cemetery is on your right.
Floral and grounds policy
You can place fresh cut flowers on your loved one's grave throughout the year.
Floral items will be removed from graves the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month of when they become faded or unsightly. Items left on gravesites may be removed at any time to facilitate cemetery burial or grounds maintenance operations. Temporary flower containers are available to be used. Containers are located through the cemetery in specially marked containers.
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 Golden Gate National Cemetery.
A National Cemetery System Golden Gate National Cemetery 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 Golden Gate National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- San Francisco National Cemetery — San Francisco, CA (12 mi · closed)
- Mare Island Naval Cemetery — Vallejo, CA (32 mi · closed)
- Benicia Arsenal Post Cemetery — Benicia, CA (33 mi · closed)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Golden Gate National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Duggan's Serra Mortuary is a premier funeral home located at 500 Westlake Avenue in Daly City, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including six large, private chapels with comfortable family rooms, unlimited parking, and three indoor reception rooms. Professional offerings include personalized services, funeral services, and celebrations of life, 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 $2,990, while direct cremation is available from $2,150. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically All Denominations And Faiths.
Skylawn Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at Route 35 At Highway 92 in San Mateo, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including memorial park, crematory, and funeral home. Professional offerings include full-service arrangements, cremation, and burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,615. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,380, while direct cremation is available from $2,615. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically All Religions (as stated by Skylawn), Chinese Ancestral Traditions (Feng Shui), Dia de los Muertos Cultural Observances, Catholic (implied by Dia de los Muertos and nearby church), and Protestant (implied by nearby Methodist and Community churches).
Driscoll's Valencia Street Serra Mortuary is a premier funeral home located at 1465 Valencia St. in San Francisco, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel, reception room, and parking. Professional offerings include funeral service, cremation service, and funeral packages, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,590. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $1,590, while direct cremation is available from $1,590. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholicism and All religious denominations.
Sneider Sullivan & O’Connell’s Funeral Home and Cremation Service is a premier funeral home located at 977 South El Camino Real in San Mateo, CA. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $3,080.
Earth Funeral is a premier funeral home located at 576 Sacramento Street # 3Fl in San Francisco, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including state-of-the-art facilities, custom, private vessels, and conservation lands. Professional offerings include soil transformation, human composting, and natural organic reduction, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $4,950. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $4,950. The standard basic services fee for the funeral director and staff is $995. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 5.0-star Google rating across 170 reviews.
Greer Family Mortuary & Cremation Services is a premier funeral home located at 2694 Blanding Avenue in Alameda, CA. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and memorialization options, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,280. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,995, while direct cremation is available from $2,280.
Fouche's Hudson Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 3665 Telegraph Avenue in Oakland, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including front lobby, fountain and garden, and visitation rooms. Professional offerings include cremation, traditional funeral service, and burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,960. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,620, while direct cremation is available from $1,960. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically African Methodist Episcopal, Baptist, Catholic, Christian (Non-denominational), Episcopal, Jewish, Methodist, Muslim, Pentecostal, and Presbyterian. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.2-star Google rating across 32 reviews.
Grant Miller-John Cox Mortuary is a premier funeral home located at 2850 Telegraph Ave. in Oakland, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site chapel and facility. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and memorialization options, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,280. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,995, while direct cremation is available from $2,280.