Washington ( CNN ) -- Potentially hundreds of American veterans and their family members who were laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery were misidentified or mislocated , including some in an area that includes grave sites from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan , according to a new Army investigation . The investigation culminated in a change in leadership at the historic cemetery that has been home to U.S. veterans since 1864 . `` I deeply apologize to the families of the honored fallen resting in that hallowed ground , who may now question the care afforded to their loved ones , '' Secretary of the Army John McHugh said . McHugh launched the Army inspector general 's investigation last fall after reports of cremated remains being buried in the wrong grave sites , according to Army officials . It was an expansion of an ongoing investigation into cemetery management issues launched by previous Secretary Peter Geren . The investigation cited missing burial records , unmarked graves and burial urns put in a spillage pile , where dirt dug up for grave sites is left . Investigators also said inaccurate burial maps are a `` systemic problem , '' which did not allow them to visit all the graves in question . Army investigators found a `` lack of established policies and procedures , a failure to automate records , and long-term systemic problems , '' documents show . After reviewing the investigation , McHugh made immediate changes but did not fire anyone . Instead , he ordered punishments to the cemetery 's leadership . Longtime Superintendent John C. Metzler was reprimanded , and his deputy , Thurman Higginbotham , was temporarily removed pending further review . The general in charge of the Army investigation , Lt. Gen. Steven Whitcomb , said that two of the 211 mismarked graves were those of troops buried in the section reserved for those killed in Iraq and Afghanistan . McHugh said those problems had been resolved . The other 209 or so were scattered among three other sites at the cemetery during an unknown period of time , Whitcomb said . `` I do n't know that there could be many more , but there could be more , '' he said . With the cemetery holding more than 300,000 graves going back almost 150 years , the Army admits it ca n't guarantee that all will be accounted for . McHugh would not identify the names of the remains affected by the mismanagement . `` While the inspector general 's team found that [ cemetery ] employees performed their jobs with dedication and to a high professional standard , they also found them hampered by dysfunctional management , the lack of established policy and procedures and an overall unhealthy organizational climate , '' McHugh said . `` That ends today . '' Some 330,000 veterans and their family members are buried at the tree-covered and hilly Arlington , Virginia , site overlooking the nation 's capital . McHugh said during a Pentagon press briefing Thursday that Metzler , the 19-year superintendent , will receive a letter of reprimand to last three years in his permanent work file . Additionally , Metzler will receive reduced benefits for his poor management of the facility . Before Thursday 's announcement , Metzler had filed for retirement effective July 2 . But McHugh will not let him serve out his full duties , according to his letter of reprimand . Metzler will be responsible for funeral operations until his retirement , and the cemetery 's management duties will be given to an interim superintendent . `` Given your decision to retire , I have elected not to initiate more severe disciplinary action , '' McHugh said in the letter of reprimand . McHugh also created a position to oversee operations at Arlington and will himself oversee the superintendent position . Metzler 's final duties will include ensuring a smooth transition for the person coming into this new position . While Metzler is blamed for poor management , deputy Higginbotham is being looked at for improper activities , including making false statements to Army investigators , creating a hostile work environment , having unauthorized access to employee e-mails and signing a false document , according to Pentagon officials close to the case . According to a Pentagon official not authorized to speak publicly about the case , the Army will ensure that Higginbotham will not work at the cemetery . The Army has created a call center to address family concerns regarding burial discrepancies at Arlington National Cemetery . The number is ( 703 ) 607- 8199 and will be open from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. beginning Friday .
Number of graves misidentified or mislocated , Army Cemetery ##s . Two were in section graves for those killed in Iraq , Afghanistan . Cemetery superintendent receiving letter of resignation . Superintendent was placed on administrative leave .