John C. Metzler – Sergeant, United States Army Superintendent, Arlington National Cemetery

“I will tell each person what I have told others in the past—that exactly who the men on the hill are is not as important as the fact that they are there. Being there, they are not only representative of other men who died unknown, but of all men who have fought for America. For that reason, they belong to all of us.”

John C Metzler, Superintendent, Arlington National Cemetery
Comment prior to burial of Unknown Soldiers of World War II and Korean War, May 1958


Born on May 8, 1909, he served in the Army during World War II and as Superintendent of Arlington National Cemetery from 1951 to 1972.

Many will recall that he helped to preside over the interment of President John F. Kennedy in November 1963, after having first helped to select the site for the President's grave.

He died on May 25, 1990 and was buried in Section 7-A of Arlington National Cemetery.

His son became Superintendent of Arlington National Cemetery, after having lived within the confines of the Cemetery as a child, in January 1991.

NOTE:  Mr. Metzler's beloved wife, Bernadette, passed away in December 2009 and was laid to rest with her husband in Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday, 16 December 2009.

Bernadette V. Metzler (Age 96) died December 8, 2009 in Maitland, Florida of natural causes.

“Bernie” was born December 20, 1912, in Brooklyn, NY to John and Matilda Moroney. In 1935, she graduated from St. Joseph”s College with a Bachelor”s Degree. In 1939, she married John C. Metzler, Sr. in New York City.

After World War II, Bernie and Jack moved to Virginia where Jack served as Superintendent of Arlington National Cemetery from 1951-1972. They retired to Merritt Island, Florida in 1972.

Bernie is survived by four sons, eight grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. A Roman Catholic Funeral Mass will be held at the Old Fort Myer Chapel on December 16, 2009 with interment at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia.


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METZLER, JOHN C

  • SGT   US ARMY
  • WORLD WAR II
  • DATE OF BIRTH: 05/08/1909
  • DATE OF DEATH: 05/25/1990
  • BURIED AT: SECTION 7A  SITE 86
  • ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

METZLER, BERNADETTE

  • DATE OF BIRTH: 12/20/1912
  • DATE OF DEATH: 12/08/2009
  • BURIED AT: SECTION 7A  SITE 86
  • ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
  • WIFE OF METZLER, JOHN C  SGT US ARMY

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