Quantico is a name synonymous with the United States Marine Corps, but it’s also the location of a significant national cemetery. Understanding Where Is Quantico goes beyond a simple geographical pinpoint; it involves delving into its rich military history and recognizing the hallowed ground where heroes and pioneers rest. This article explores the location of Quantico National Cemetery and the stories of some of the remarkable individuals interred there, individuals who have shaped American history through their service and sacrifice.
Unveiling the Location and Context of Quantico
Quantico is situated in Virginia, specifically in Prince William County. It lies approximately 36 miles southwest of Washington, D.C., making it part of the wider Washington metropolitan area. The name “Quantico” is most famously associated with Marine Corps Base Quantico, one of the largest Marine Corps bases in the world. This base is a major training and education hub for the Marine Corps, and it significantly shapes the character of the surrounding area.
Within this historically rich locale, you’ll find the National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico. This cemetery, often referred to as Quantico National Cemetery, is a final resting place for veterans, service members, and their families. It stands as a solemn reminder of the dedication and sacrifices made by those who have served the nation. It is important to distinguish between Marine Corps Base Quantico and the National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico, although both are intrinsically linked to the area’s military identity. The cemetery provides a place of honor and remembrance amidst the active military environment of Quantico.
Notable Figures Laid to Rest at Quantico National Cemetery
Quantico National Cemetery is the final resting place for individuals from various walks of military life, each with unique stories of service and dedication. Among them are recipients of the Medal of Honor, the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force.
One such hero is Private First Class Hector A. Cafferata, Jr., a Medal of Honor recipient from the Korean War. His extraordinary heroism as a Marine rifleman in November 1950 earned him this prestigious recognition. His final resting place in Section 24 of Quantico National Cemetery is a place of pilgrimage for those wishing to honor his bravery.
Beyond Medal of Honor recipients, Quantico also honors pioneers like Second Lieutenant Frederick Branch. Branch holds the distinction of being the first African-American officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. His service in World War II and Korea, and his subsequent career as an educator, are commemorated by his burial in Section 17. A building at Quantico’s Officer Candidate School is named in his honor, further cementing his legacy within the Marine Corps.
The cemetery also recognizes the contributions of women in the military, such as Creadell J. Haley. A pioneer aviatrix and the first woman, and only African-American, from her county in Oklahoma to serve in the Women’s Army Air Corps (WAAC) during World War II, Haley’s story is one of breaking barriers and pursuing service in multiple forms. She is buried in Section 5, representing the diverse backgrounds and achievements of those interred at Quantico.
Jack Hawkins, a decorated Marine with service spanning World War II and the Korean War, also rests at Quantico. His remarkable career included escaping Japanese captivity during WWII and earning the Distinguished Service Cross, as well as leading Marines in key battles during the Korean War. His later involvement with the CIA and amphibious landing instruction at Quantico highlights a life dedicated to service. He is interred in Section 22.
The solemn grounds also remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in less conventional conflicts. Colonel William “Rich” Higgins was a U.S. Military Observer serving with a UN peacekeeping organization when he was captured and tragically killed in Beirut. His initial memorial marker and later his internment in Section 23 at Quantico serve as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by those serving in peacekeeping missions.
Louis R. Lowery, a World War II Marine combat photographer, captured a defining moment of the war – the first U.S. flag raising on Iwo Jima. His iconic photograph is a symbol of American resilience and victory. Lowery’s burial in Section 1 connects the visual memory of WWII with the physical space of remembrance at Quantico.
Lieutenant General Charles H. Pitman represents more recent military service, with a career spanning from the Naval Reserve in 1952 to retirement as a Lieutenant General in 1990. His service included Vietnam and involvement with the Delta Force. His actions in assisting local police during a mass shooting incident showcase the diverse roles military personnel play in protecting communities, both domestically and abroad. He is buried in Section 30.
Finally, General Lewis William Walt, a highly decorated Marine leader who served as Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, is interred in Section 17. His 35-year career spanning three major wars and numerous accolades, including two Navy Crosses, exemplify a lifetime of unwavering commitment to the Marine Corps and the nation.
Visiting the National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico
For those seeking to pay respects or learn more about these remarkable individuals and others interred at Quantico, the National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico Administration Office offers resources, including a cemetery history handout detailing other notable burials. Visiting this sacred space provides a tangible connection to American military history and the personal stories of those who have served. Understanding where is Quantico is to understand a place deeply intertwined with American military heritage, a place of both active service and honored rest.
