Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Los Angeles National Cemetery Annex
The Los Angeles National Cemetery, located across from what is now the VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care System, has grown to more than 127 acres since its late 19th century origins. The first interment dates to a few days prior to the May 22, 1889 dedication of the cemetery. In 1973, the cemetery was transferred from the then-Veterans Administration Medical Center to what was then the National Cemetery System.
The Los Angeles National Cemetery opened as one of 11 facilities operated by the Veterans Administration, on lands shared with national Veterans' homes or asylums for disabled soldiers. The Pacific Branch of the National Homes for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers was established in 1887 on Santa Monica ranch lands donated by Senator John P. Jones and Arcadia B. de Baker. The following year, the site grew by an additional 200 acres; in 1890, 20 more acres were appended for use as a Veterans' cemetery. By this time, with more than 1,000 Veterans in residence, a new hospital was erected in 1900. It was replaced in 1927 by Wadsworth Hospital, and a second facility, Brentwood Hospital, was also constructed in the 1920s.
Some of the cemetery's features are unique, including an administration building and adjoining Bob Hope Memorial Chapel (built in 1939–1940) and the NCA's only indoor columbarium, which was built in 1940–1941. These buildings were constructed by the Works Progress Administration in a distinctive Spanish Revival style of stucco and tile. The original gatehouse and entrance gates have been removed.
There are two canine burials at Los Angeles National Cemetery, although this practice is prohibited today. Old Bonus, an adopted pet of residents in the Soldiers' home; and Blackout, a war dog wounded in the Pacific during World War II, are both buried here.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Los Angeles National Cemetery Annex, 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:
Sergeant First Class Chris Carr (World War II).
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company L, 337th Infantry, 85th Infantry Division, for actions near Guignola, Italy, October 1–2, 1944. His citation was awarded under his given name, Christos H. Karaberis; he changed his name to Carr sometime later. Carr died in 1970 and is buried in Section 275, Row G, Site 15.
Sergeant George H.
Eldridge (Indian Wars). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company C, 6th U.S. Calvary, for actions at the Wichita River, Texas, July 12, 1870. Eldridge died in 1918 and is buried in Section 37, Row B, Site 1.
Sergeant Harry Harvey (Philippine Insurrection).
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps for actions at Benictican, Philippine Islands, February 16, 1900. Harvey died in 1929 and is buried in Section 60, Row E, Site 4.
Sergeant Luther Kaltenbach (Civil War).
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company F, 12th Iowa Infantry, for actions at Nashville, TN, December 16, 1864. Kaltenbach died in 1922 and is buried in Section 43, Row A, Site 15.
Landsman William F.
Lukes (1871 Korean Campaign). Lukes received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Navy, Company D, for actions during the capture of the Korean forts, June 9–10, 1871. Lukes died in 1923 and is buried in Section 7, Row F, Site 19.
Color Sergeant George McKee (Civil War).
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company D, 89th New York Infantry, for actions at Petersburg, VA, April 2, 1865. McKee died in 1892 and is buried in Section 1, Row G, Site 2.
First Sergeant James McNally (Indian Wars).
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company E, 8th U.S. Cavalry, for actions in vicinity of the Black Mountains, Arizona Territory, 1868 and 1869. McNally died in 1904, and is buried in Section 10, Row L, Site 10.
Sergeant Edward Murphy (Indian Wars).
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company G, 1st U.S. Calvary, for actions in the Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona Territory, October 20, 1869. Murphy died in 1924 and is buried in Section 44, Row 1, Site 22.
First Sergeant Edwin Phoenix (Indian Wars).
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company E, 4th U.S. Calvary, for actions near Red River, Texas, September 26–28, 1874. Phoenix died in 1932 and is buried in Section 67, Row H, Site 22.
Farrier Samuel Porter (Indian Wars).
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company L, 6th U.S. Calvary, for actions at the Wichita River, Texas, July 12, 1870. Porter died in 1920 and is buried in Section 40, Row E, Site 6.
Eligibility for burial at Los Angeles National Cemetery Annex
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 near the western section of Los Angeles. From Los Angeles International Airport, take Century Blvd 1.5 miles to I-405 North. Travel 7.5 miles to the Wilshire West exit, then travel about 200 feet to Sepulveda Blvd. Turn north on Sepulveda and continue about .5 mile to cemetery entrance.
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. Natural 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.
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 Los Angeles National Cemetery.
A National Cemetery System Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles National Cemetery Annex (by straight-line distance):
- Los Angeles National Cemetery — Los Angeles, CA (0 mi · closed)
- Riverside National Cemetery — Riverside, CA (68 mi · open)
- Bakersfield National Cemetery — Arvin, CA (84 mi · open)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Los Angeles National Cemetery Annex have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
City of Santa Monica Woodlawn Cemetery, Mausoleum & Mortuary is a premier funeral home located at 1847 14Th Street in Santa Monica, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including mausoleum, mortuary, and cemetery. Professional offerings include cemetery property, burial, and cremation options, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,882. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,415, while direct cremation is available from $1,882. The standard basic services fee for the funeral director and staff is $1,939. Additional typical expenses include embalming ($778) and use of facilities for viewing ($260).
Hollywood Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 6000 Santa Monica Boulevard in Los Angeles, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including cemetery grounds, funeral home, and crematory. Professional offerings include cremation services, direct cremation, and witnessed cremation, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,475. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,315, while direct cremation is available from $2,475. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, Thai, Russian, Armenian, and All faiths and traditions are welcome.
Valley Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 2121 West Burbank Boulevard in Burbank, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including arrangement room, chapel, and coffee lounge. Professional offerings include aftercare planner, arrangements by phone or email, and audio and video equipment, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,220. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $2,095, while direct cremation is available from $1,800. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Asian Funeral Traditions, Black Funeral Traditions, Buddhist Funeral Traditions, Catholic Funeral Traditions, Christian Funeral Traditions, Hispanic Funeral Traditions, Hindu Funeral Traditions, Jewish Funeral Traditions, and Muslim Funeral Traditions.
Glendale Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 511 South Central Avenue in Glendale, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including flexible event space, large-capacity chapel, and modern funeral home. Professional offerings include pre-planning, traditional funeral, and cremation, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,195. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $2,995, while direct cremation is available from $1,195. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Asian Funeral Traditions, Buddhist Funeral Traditions, Catholic Funeral Traditions, Christian Funeral Traditions, Hispanic Funeral Traditions, Hindu Funeral Traditions, Jewish Funeral Traditions, Muslim Funeral Traditions, Black Funeral Traditions, Qingming Festival, Chung Yeung Festival, and Día de los Muertos.
Bastian and Perrott, Oswald Mortuary is a premier funeral home located at 18728 Parthenia St. in Northridge, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including flexible event space, modern funeral home, and chapel. Professional offerings include traditional burial, cremation, and celebration of life, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $810. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $2,895, while direct cremation is available from $1,595. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Buddhism, Catholicism, Christianity (Protestant), Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism.
Fukui Mortuary is a premier funeral home located at 707 East Temple St. in Los Angeles, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel in the garden and handicapped accessible. Professional offerings include memorial services, funeral services, and burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,950. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,175, while direct cremation is available from $2,779. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Buddhist, Christian, and Catholic.
Family To Family Funeral Services is a premier funeral home located at 15305 South Normandie Ave. in Gardena, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including visitation room and chapel. Professional offerings include funeral service, memorial service, and burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors.
Miller Mies Downey Mortuary is a premier funeral home located at 10229 Paramount Boulevard in Downey, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including cemetery grounds, mausoleums, and cremation garden. Professional offerings include pre-planning, grief support, and traditional burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,595. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $2,895, while direct cremation is available from $1,595. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Asian Funeral Traditions, Buddhist Funeral Traditions, Catholic Funeral Traditions, Hispanic Funeral Traditions, Hindu Funeral Traditions, Muslim Funeral Traditions, Christian Funeral Traditions, Jewish Funeral Traditions, and Black Funeral Traditions.