404

Questions about ABMC History and its Burial Policies

Yes, the remains of American war dead are buried at these cemeteries. The interment of remains of World War I and World War II war dead at permanent overseas American military cemeteries was made by the American Graves Registration Service, Quartermaster General of the War Department. When the interment program was completed the cemeteries were turned over to ABMC for maintenance and administration.

No, the cemetery grounds are not American territory. However, use of the land is granted to the United States in perpetuity, free of any taxes, fees or any other charges. This is done through a treaty between the United States and the relevant host nation. For example, if there is a crime committed within the boundaries of an ABMC site, host nation law applies and the investigation would be conducted by local police.

Questions about Military Records, Awards, Statistics...

The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration holds the records of all discharged military personnel. Veterans and next of kin of deceased veterans can order copies of records online. Inquiries from individuals other than veterans and family members must be submitted in writing to the National Archives and Records Administration.

National Personnel Records Center
1 Archives Drive
St. Louis, MO 63138

Telephone: 314-801-0800

ABMC does not maintain records relating to discharged veterans of the U.S. armed forces. You might find the information you are seeking by placing an advertisement in veterans’ magazines that have special reunion columns, or by searching online for relevant unit organizations.

Questions about Private Memorials and Isolated Graves

We control the design and construction of U.S. military monuments and markers in foreign countries by other U.S. citizens and organizations, both public and private, and encourage the maintenance of such monuments and markers by their sponsors.

Questions about Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action

Without confirmed information to the contrary, a War Department Review Board established the official date of death of those missing as one year and a day from the date on which the individual was placed in missing status.

Questions about the Korean War and Vietnam War

No, all recoverable remains from the Korean and Vietnam Wars were returned to the United States for interment at national or private cemeteries.

Questions about the ABMC Database

Our database contains only the names of those interred or memorialized at ABMC cemeteries and memorials. The database does not contain the names of war dead returned to the United States for permanent interment at national or private cemeteries.