Riverside National Cemetery
Encyclopedia
Riverside National Cemetery (RNC) is a cemetery located in Riverside, California
, dedicated to the interment of United States military personnel. The cemetery covers 921 acres (3.7 km²), making it the third-largest cemetery managed by the National Cemetery Administration. Since 2000 it has been the most active cemetery in the system, based on the number of interments.
was called Camp William G. Haan
. During WWII, Camp Haan was used as a training base for coast artillery and anti-aircraft and also housed a prisoner-of-war camp for captured Italian soldiers.
The site was selected in 1976 to provide full burial options for Southern California veterans and their families by President Ford’s Commission for National Cemeteries and Monuments. The cemetery was dedicated and opened for burials November 11, 1978. An additional 181 acre (0.73248166 km²) was transferred by the U.S. Air Force in 2003.
With 15 Medal of Honor recipients in attendance and the Marine Corps’ greatest fighter ace Joe Foss
as featured speaker, RNC was dedicated and opened for burials Veterans Day, November 11, 1978. RNC’s first burial was Army Staff Sgt. Ysmael Villegas, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery at the cost of his own life at Villa Verde Trail on the island of Luzon in the Philippines, March 20, 1945. He was originally buried on Luzon, but was later transferred to Olivewood Cemetery in his hometown of Riverside, Calif. Prior to the opening of RNC, the Veterans Administration asked the Villegas family if he could be moved again and be honored by burial in the new National Cemetery.
The dramatic, meandering landscape features a central boulevard with memorial circles, lakes, indigenous-styled committal shelters, and a memorial amphitheater.
Military funeral honors are provided for eligible veterans by military honor guards from each branch of service, by the California National Guard, and by several volunteer teams collectively known as the Memorial Honor Detail
or MHD upon request of family members through their funeral home.
Memorial, one of four sites in the United States recognized by the U.S. Congress as a National Medal of Honor Memorial Site. The Medal of Honor Memorial, whose walls feature the names of all medal recipients, is located at the third traffic circle in the cemetery. It was dedicated at a ceremony attended by 85 Medal of Honor recipients November 5, 1999.
The statue "Veterans Memorial", created by Colorado
sculptor A. Thomas Schomberg
, in commemoration of the veterans, their comrades, their personal and emotional sacrifices and to acknowledge those Americans who have lost loved ones in the service of their country. The statue consists of a 12-foot pedestal, on top of which lies the lifeless body of a soldier partially covered with a poncho that hides the face. The unidentified soldier whether a man or woman, private or officer, will forever remain in silent tribute to every American who has given his or her life in combat. The statue was donated to the Riverside National Cemetery by Thomas F. and Judy Kane and was dedicated May 28, 2000.
The Prisoner of War
/Missing in Action
Memorial was designated a National Memorial by the U.S. Congress and dedicated September 16, 2005. A bronze statue, sculpted by Vietnam veteran Lewis Lee Millett, Jr. is the image of an American serviceman on his knees and bound by his captors. The statue is surrounded by black marble pillars, representing imprisonment.
, America’s first aviators of African descent, who trained at Alabama’s Tuskegee University, are buried at Riverside National Cemetery.
Riverside, California
Riverside is a city in Riverside County, California, United States, and the county seat of the eponymous county. Named for its location beside the Santa Ana River, it is the largest city in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario metropolitan area of Southern California, 4th largest inland California...
, dedicated to the interment of United States military personnel. The cemetery covers 921 acres (3.7 km²), making it the third-largest cemetery managed by the National Cemetery Administration. Since 2000 it has been the most active cemetery in the system, based on the number of interments.
History
RNC was established in 1976 through the transfer of 740 acres (3 km²) from March Air Force Base, a section that during World War IIWorld War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
was called Camp William G. Haan
William G. Haan
William George Haan was a general in World War I. He graduated from West Point in 1889, from the Army War College in 1905, and was commissioned in the Artillery. He served in Cuba and the Philippines, and in 1903 went to Panama at the request of Theodore Roosevelt...
. During WWII, Camp Haan was used as a training base for coast artillery and anti-aircraft and also housed a prisoner-of-war camp for captured Italian soldiers.
The site was selected in 1976 to provide full burial options for Southern California veterans and their families by President Ford’s Commission for National Cemeteries and Monuments. The cemetery was dedicated and opened for burials November 11, 1978. An additional 181 acre (0.73248166 km²) was transferred by the U.S. Air Force in 2003.
With 15 Medal of Honor recipients in attendance and the Marine Corps’ greatest fighter ace Joe Foss
Joe Foss
Joseph Jacob "Joe" Foss was the leading fighter ace of the United States Marine Corps during World War II and a 1943 recipient of the Medal of Honor, recognizing his role in the air combat during the Guadalcanal Campaign...
as featured speaker, RNC was dedicated and opened for burials Veterans Day, November 11, 1978. RNC’s first burial was Army Staff Sgt. Ysmael Villegas, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery at the cost of his own life at Villa Verde Trail on the island of Luzon in the Philippines, March 20, 1945. He was originally buried on Luzon, but was later transferred to Olivewood Cemetery in his hometown of Riverside, Calif. Prior to the opening of RNC, the Veterans Administration asked the Villegas family if he could be moved again and be honored by burial in the new National Cemetery.
The dramatic, meandering landscape features a central boulevard with memorial circles, lakes, indigenous-styled committal shelters, and a memorial amphitheater.
Military funeral honors are provided for eligible veterans by military honor guards from each branch of service, by the California National Guard, and by several volunteer teams collectively known as the Memorial Honor Detail
Memorial Honor Detail
A Memorial Honor Detail is assigned by direction of the United States Department of Defense to perform final military honors at the burial/committal of a deceased veteran of the United States Armed Forces. This includes the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and the Coast Guard...
or MHD upon request of family members through their funeral home.
Monuments and memorials
Riverside National Cemetery is home of the Medal of HonorMedal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
Memorial, one of four sites in the United States recognized by the U.S. Congress as a National Medal of Honor Memorial Site. The Medal of Honor Memorial, whose walls feature the names of all medal recipients, is located at the third traffic circle in the cemetery. It was dedicated at a ceremony attended by 85 Medal of Honor recipients November 5, 1999.
The statue "Veterans Memorial", created by Colorado
Colorado
Colorado is a U.S. state that encompasses much of the Rocky Mountains as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains...
sculptor A. Thomas Schomberg
A. Thomas Schomberg
-Works:In 1981, Sylvester Stallone commissioned Schomberg to create a bronze statue of Rocky. Three 2-ton, 10-foot copies were cast. One was installed atop the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art for the filming of Rocky III.-External links:...
, in commemoration of the veterans, their comrades, their personal and emotional sacrifices and to acknowledge those Americans who have lost loved ones in the service of their country. The statue consists of a 12-foot pedestal, on top of which lies the lifeless body of a soldier partially covered with a poncho that hides the face. The unidentified soldier whether a man or woman, private or officer, will forever remain in silent tribute to every American who has given his or her life in combat. The statue was donated to the Riverside National Cemetery by Thomas F. and Judy Kane and was dedicated May 28, 2000.
The Prisoner of War
Prisoner of war
A prisoner of war or enemy prisoner of war is a person, whether civilian or combatant, who is held in custody by an enemy power during or immediately after an armed conflict...
/Missing in Action
Missing in action
Missing in action is a casualty Category assigned under the Status of Missing to armed services personnel who are reported missing during active service. They may have been killed, wounded, become a prisoner of war, or deserted. If deceased, neither their remains nor grave can be positively...
Memorial was designated a National Memorial by the U.S. Congress and dedicated September 16, 2005. A bronze statue, sculpted by Vietnam veteran Lewis Lee Millett, Jr. is the image of an American serviceman on his knees and bound by his captors. The statue is surrounded by black marble pillars, representing imprisonment.
Medal of Honor recipients
- Staff Sergeant Ysmael R. VillegasYsmael R. VillegasStaff Sergeant Ysmael R. Villegas , was a United States Army soldier who posthumously received the Medal of Honor - the United States' highest military decoration for his actions during World War II. On March 20, 1945, at age 20, Staff Sergeant Ysmael R...
, (World War II) U.S. Army, Company F, 127th Infantry127th Infantry Regiment (United States)The 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry Regiment traces its origins to the 4th Infantry Battalion, Wisconsin National Guard.-Organization:The 4th Infantry Battalion, Wisconsin National Guard, was organized on 25 April 1884 from Milwaukee companies, expanded and redesignated in 1890 as the 4th Infantry...
, 32nd Infantry Division. Villa Verde Trail, Luzon, Philippine Islands, March 20, 1945 (Section 5, Grave 1178). - Commander (then Pharmacist's Mate First Class) John H. Balch, (World War I), U.S. Navy, 6th Regiment, U.S. Marines. Vierzy & Somme-Py, France, July 19, 1918, and Oct. 5, 1918 (Section 2, Grave 1925).
- Colonel (then Platoon Sergeant) Mitchell PaigeMitchell PaigeMitchell Paige was a recipient of the Medal of Honor from World War II...
, (World War II and Korea) U.S. Marine Corps, 1st Marine Division, Solomon Islands, Oct. 26, 1942, (Section 20A, Grave 533). - Colonel Lewis Millett, (WW II, Korea, Vietnam) U.S. Army, February 7, 1951 (Section 2, Grave 1910).
Tuskegee Airmen
Several members of the legendary Tuskegee AirmenTuskegee Airmen
The Tuskegee Airmen is the popular name of a group of African American pilots who fought in World War II. Formally, they were the 332nd Fighter Group and the 477th Bombardment Group of the U.S. Army Air Corps....
, America’s first aviators of African descent, who trained at Alabama’s Tuskegee University, are buried at Riverside National Cemetery.
- Dr. Hackley E. Woodford, M.D., a Tuskegee Airmen flight surgeon who served during World War II, is buried at Section 49A Site 1149.
- Pilot Perry Willis Lindsey, who served during World War II and the Korean War, is buried at Section 63A Site 768.
- John Allen Pulliams Jr., served during World War II and went on to serve 30 years in the U.S. Air Force. He retired as a Chief Warrant Officer and is buried at Section 47 Site 1603.
- Pilot Charles F. Jamerson is buried at Section 56A Site 668. Major Jamerson retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1977 after more than 32 years of service.
- Pilot Kenneth R. Hawkins is buried in Section 57A Site 2204.
- USAAF WWII 1st LT. and Pilot John L. Hamilton is buried at Section 6 Site 270.
- Charles William LedbetterCharles William LedbetterCharles William Ledbetter was one of the Tuskegee Airmen, retiring from the United States Air Force as a Master Sergeant after 30 years active service...
, who served during World War II and Korea, retiring after 30 years as an Air Force Master Sergeant, is buried at Section 26 Site 1426.
Others
- John AgarJohn AgarJohn George Agar was an American actor. He starred alongside John Wayne in the films Sands of Iwo Jima, Fort Apache and She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, but was later relegated to B movies, such as Tarantula, The Mole People, The Brain from Planet Arous, Flesh and the Spur, and Hand of Death...
(1921–2002). Actor, once married to Shirley TempleShirley TempleShirley Temple Black , born Shirley Jane Temple, is an American film and television actress, singer, dancer, autobiographer, and former U.S. Ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia...
. He starred mostly in Westerns and war movies, including “Fort Apache,” “The Sands of Iwo Jima” and “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon” with John Wayne. Section 55A Site 18. - Robert Edward Badham (1929-2005), Lt. j.g., U.S. Navy. U.S. Congressman from California. Served in California assembly, 1963–1976; U.S. House of Representatives 1977-1989. Section 16 Site 914A.
- George BakerGeorge Baker (cartoonist)George Baker was a cartoonist who became prominent during World War II as the creator of the popular comic strip, The Sad Sack.-Early life and education:...
, Tech Sgt., U.S. Army, World War II. Cartoonist. Baker was a former Disney cartoonist who created the comic strip and comic book character "Sad Sack,” during World War II. Section 8 Site 3254. - Aaron BankAaron BankColonel Aaron Bank was an officer of the United States Army, and the founder of the US Army Special Forces, commonly called "Green Berets". He is also famous for his exploits as an OSS officer during World War II, parachuting into France to coordinate and activate the French Resistance and...
, Colonel, U.S. Army. Founder of the Army’s elite Green Berets. During World War II Bank was assigned to the Office of Strategic Services within the Army’s Special Operations branch. After the war he stayed with the Army, and convinced them to create a permanent Special Forces unit. In 2002, President George W. Bush bestowed Bank with a commendation for creating the techniques used to defeat the Taliban in Afghanistan. He died in 2004 at the age of 101. Section 17 Site 421. - Melissa Rose Barnes, Yeoman First Class (YN1), U.S. Navy. Killed during the terrorist attack on the Pentagon, Sept. 11, 2001. Section 56B Site 123.
- Thomas Ross Bond Sr.Tommy BondThomas Ross "Tommy" Bond was an American actor. A native of Dallas, Texas, Bond was best known for his work as a child actor for two different nonconsecutive periods on Our Gang comedies, and also for being the first actor to portray the role of "Superman's pal" Jimmy Olsen on screen.-Early years...
(1926–2005). Actor and TV Producer/Director. Best known as “Butch” in “Our GangOur GangOur Gang, also known as The Little Rascals or Hal Roach's Rascals, was a series of American comedy short films about a group of poor neighborhood children and the adventures they had together. Created by comedy producer Hal Roach, the series is noted for showing children behaving in a relatively...
” or “Little Rascals” movie shorts during the 1930s. U.S. Navy, WW II. Section 49B Site 3840. - Clyde Jeffrey (1918–2006). Athlete. One of the all-time greats in track & field, Jeffrey set multiple collegiate and world records during his brief career. Jeffrey set world record in 150-yard dash in 1938 (13.8 seconds); anchored the Stanford University team that set the world record in mile relay in 1940 (3:10.5), tied the world record in 100-yard dash (9.4, 1940), and tied Jesse Owens’ world record in the 100-meter dash in 1939 (10.2 wind-aided). Section BB (Van Buren Ave. Columbarium) Row E Site 212
- Will “Dub” Jones (1928–2000), Musician. In 1957, Jones joined the musical group The CoastersThe CoastersThe Coasters are an American rhythm and blues/rock and roll vocal group that had a string of hits in the late 1950s. Beginning with "Searchin'" and "Young Blood", their most memorable songs were written by the songwriting and producing team of Leiber and Stoller...
, replacing bass vocalist Bobby Nunn. The band's many recordings during Jones’ tenure include “Yakety Yak,” “Charlie Brown,” and “Poison Ivy.” Jones sang the familiar deep-voiced line “Don't talk back” in the 1958 No. 1 hit “Yakety Yak” and the line “Why's everybody always picking on me?” in the 1959 tune “Charlie Brown,” which reached No. 2 on the U.S. pop charts. Section 50 Site 4458. - Lillian Kinkela KeilLillian KeilLillian Kinkella Keil was a highly decorated American World War II and Korean War flight nurse. Keil made 250 evacuation flights during World War II and 175 evacuation flights during the Korean War, becoming one of the most decorated women in American military history.Keil's hometown is Covina,...
, Captain, U.S. Air Force. Air Force Flight Nurse Pioneer. She flew on 425 combat missions and took part in 11 major campaigns that included the D-Day invasion and Battle of the Bulge in World War II and the Battle of Chosin Reservoir during the Korea War. One of the most decorated women in American military history, she was awarded 19 medals, including a European Theater medal with four battle stars, a Korean service medal with seven battle stars, four air medals and a Presidential Citation from the Republic of Korea. Section 20A Site 1235. - Frank John LubinFrank LubinFrank John Lubin was an American-Lithuanian basketball player.Lubin was born on the east side of Los Angeles, California to a family of Lithuanian immigrants and died in Glendale, California....
(1910–1999), Olympic Athlete. He was the captain of the U.S. Olympic Basketball team that won the first gold medal in the sport in 1936. He later introduced the sport to the country of Lithuania, where he is considered the father of Lithuanian basketball. Section 50 Site 5241. - Tyler MacDuffTyler MacDuffTyler MacDuff, born Tyler Glenn Duff, Jr. , was an American actor, primarily on television westerns and dramas who was cast as Billy the Kid in The Boy from Oklahoma.-Biography:...
(1925–2007), U.S. Navy, Pacific Theater, including Philippine Islands, 1944–1945; star of film and television westerns and dramas. - John D. McKeel, Jr., Staff Sgt., U.S. Marine Corps. One of the 52 Americans held hostage by Iran from 1979 to 1981. Shot to death while trying to help a woman who was being robbed. Section 43 Site 1528.
- Patrick Henry McMahon, Motor Machinist Mate First Class (MOMM1), U.S. Navy. During World War II, McMahon was rescued near the Solomon Islands from the wreckage of patrol boat PT-109Motor Torpedo Boat PT-109PT-109 was a PT boat last commanded by Lieutenant, junior grade John F. Kennedy in the Pacific Theater during World War II...
by LTJG John F. KennedyJohn F. KennedyJohn Fitzgerald "Jack" Kennedy , often referred to by his initials JFK, was the 35th President of the United States, serving from 1961 until his assassination in 1963....
. The boat had been rammed by a Japanese destroyer on August 2, 1943. Badly injured and burned, McMahon was towed for several miles to safety by the future U.S. president. Section 43 Site 1411. - Woodrow "Woody" StrodeWoody StrodeWoodrow Wilson Woolwine "Woody" Strode was a decathlete and football star who went on to become a pioneering black American film actor. He was nominated for a Golden Globe award for best supporting actor for his role in Spartacus in 1960...
, Section 46, Grave 283. Woody Strode starred as 1st Sergeant Braxton Rutledge, a Buffalo soldier, in the 1960 John Ford movie "Sergeant Rutledge.” He starred in over 80 domestic and foreign films in a career that spanned nearly 55 years, including "Spartacus" and "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance." Strode was also one of the first four black players to integrate professional football in 1946 when he played for the Cleveland Rams. - James F. Van Pelt Jr. (1918–1994), Air Force officer. As a 27-year-old Army Air Corps captain, he was the navigator aboard the B-29 “BockscarBockscarBockscar, sometimes called Bock's Car or Bocks Car, is the name of the United States Army Air Forces B-29 bomber that dropped the "Fat Man" nuclear weapon over Nagasaki on 9 August 1945, the second atomic weapon used against Japan....
” which dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki, the second atomic bomb used against Japan in World War II. He retired from the Air Force as colonel, serving from 1939 to 1965. Section 43, Site 1113. - Adelbert WaldronAdelbert WaldronStaff Sergeant Adelbert F. Waldron, or Adelbert F. Waldron III, was a United States Army sniper serving during the Vietnam War . Although little known, Waldron holds the record for confirmed kills by any American sniper in history at 109. Carlos Hathcock had 93 confirmed kills, Eric R...
(1933–1995) U.S. Army sniper serving during the Vietnam War is credited with the highest number of confirmed kills for any service member in U.S. history with 109. One of the few two-time recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross, the Army’s second highest award for valor, for separate actions in 1969. Columbarium A (shelter F), Court B, Row B, Site 37. - Michael WaltmanMichael WaltmanMichael Gordon Waltman was an American film and television actor. His credits included Tower of Terror, Beyond the Law and National Lampoon's Van Wilder....
(1946-2011), Film and television actor. Vietnam War veteran and Purple HeartPurple HeartThe Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in New Windsor, New York...
recipient. - Noble WillinghamNoble WillinghamNoble Henry Willingham, Jr. was an American television and film actor.-Career:Willingham had appeared in more than thirty feature films, including Harry's War , Up Close and Personal , City Slickers , The Last Boy Scout , City Slickers II , Ace Ventura: Pet Detective , Chinatown...
, (1931–2004) Actor. He starred as C.D. Parker in the TV show "Walker Texas Ranger". Also appeared in many Hollywood movies including "Chinatown" (1974); "Good Morning, Vietnam" (1987); and “City Slickers" (1991). Section BA Row C Site 124 (Columbarium) - Michael WinkelmanMichael WinkelmanMichael L. Winkelman was an American child actor best known for his role as Little Luke McCoy from 1957 to 1963 in 157 episodes of the situation comedy television series, The Real McCoys, starring Walter Brennan in the title role of Grandpa Amos McCoy, with Richard Crenna as Luke McCoy, older...
, (1946-1999) Actor. He starred as Little Luke McCoy on ABCAmerican Broadcasting CompanyThe American Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network. Created in 1943 from the former NBC Blue radio network, ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Company and is part of Disney-ABC Television Group. Its first broadcast on television was in 1948...
's situation comedySituation comedyA situation comedy, often shortened to sitcom, is a genre of comedy that features characters sharing the same common environment, such as a home or workplace, accompanied with jokes as part of the dialogue...
, The Real McCoysThe Real McCoysThe Real McCoys is an American situation comedy co-produced by Danny Thomas' "Marterto Productions", in association with Walter Brennan and Irving Pincus's "Westgate" company...
(1957-1962). U.S. Navy, Vietnam. Plot 50, 0, 4304) - Skip YoungSkip Young (actor)Skip Young was an American actor best known for his decade-long role as Wally Plumstead in the ABC sitcom The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. When chosen to join Ozzie Nelson's television series, Young suggested that the last name of his character be "Plumstead"...
, (1930–1993) Actor. He starred as Wally Plumstead on the ABC sitcom The Adventures of Ozzie and HarrietThe Adventures of Ozzie and HarrietThe Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet is an American sitcom, airing on ABC from October 3, 1952 to September 3, 1966, starring the real life Nelson family. After a long run on radio, the show was brought to television where it continued its success, running on both radio and TV for a couple of years...
(1956–1966). U.S. Navy, Korea. Section 13A, Grave 332. - Jared M. Landaker, 1st Lt. Member of the crew of a CH-46 Sea KnightCH-46 Sea KnightThe Boeing Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight is a medium-lift tandem rotor transport helicopter, used by the United States Marine Corps to provide all-weather, day-or-night assault transport of combat troops, supplies and equipment. Assault Support is its primary function, and the movement of supplies and...
of the famed HMM-364HMM-364Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364 is a United States Marine Corps helicopter squadron consisting of CH-46E Sea Knight transport helicopters...
Purple Foxes who died with six others in a crash in IraqIraqIraq ; officially the Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert....
in Feb. 2007, and who was picked out for special remembrance in a report of a Memorial DayMemorial DayMemorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War...
, 2009, roll call of all 148,000 veterans then interred at the cemetery. Section 49B, number 3438. - More than seventy soldiers, Marines, and sailors who have been killed while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan since Sept. 11, 2001, are buried at Riverside National Cemetery. This number is surpassed only by Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, where more than five hundred service personnel killed in the war on terrorism are laid to rest.
- Gordon HahnGordon HahnGordon R. Hahn was a member of the Los Angeles City Council and California State Assembly in the mid-20th Century.While on the council, he cast the decisive vote that brought the Brooklyn Dodgers to Los Angeles and was instrumental in the appointment of Gilbert Lindsay, who became the first...
(1919–2001)—California politician