Of all the U.S. national burial grounds, Arlington National Cemetery has the most strict requirements for in-ground burials. A service member who dies during active duty (not during training) qualifies. If a veteran, the service member must have had an honorable discharge. In addition, the veteran must be have been entitled to receive retirement pay or was the recipient of the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross (Air Force or Navy), Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, or Purple Heart. In-ground burials are also approved for prisoners of war who died on or after November 30, 1993.
Spouses and dependents may also be eligible. In addition, people who have served the United States in another notable capacity can be considered. For instance, Pres. William Howard Taft was buried in Arlington, though he never served in the military.