While it might seem unusual for a CIA director to take interest in a veteran's burial dispute, in Joyeuse's case, Petraeus was paying homage to a fellow soldier-spy, said O'Donnell, whose latest book, "Dog Company, " tells the story of U.S. Army Rangers in World War II.

WSJ: Ex-CIA chief aided WWII hero's Arlington burial

"I'm ahead of everybody else because, basically, I'm a soldier, " the 23-year Army veteran said in an interview less than two weeks ago.

NPR: Texas DA Slain In His Home; Had Armed Himself