After 75 years in an unmarked grave, World War II veteran Frank S. Alvarado has finally been given the honor he deserves with a headstone at Austin’s Memorial Park Cemetery. The Central Texas soldier, who was killed in battle in Italy on December 4, 1943, was part of the elite First Special Service Force. His grave had remained without a marker since 1949 due to a combination of military confusion and destroyed records. FOX 7 Austin reported a small ceremony held on the anniversary of his death, where his family and supporters gathered to place Alvarado's headstone.
The process of obtaining the headstone was a challenging one for the family. Alvarado was originally considered missing in action until 1949 when his cremains were brought back to Texas. His living family was not aware of the exact location of his resting place a couple of years ago. Christina Coke, Alvarado’s niece, labored to find personnel records and connected with others from his unit on Facebook to navigate the governmental processes to secure an official headstone for her uncle. "We're happy that we accomplished this to honor him and he be recognized," Christina told FOX 7 Austin.
During the commemoration, the nonprofit Austin Patriot Guard Riders participated with a flag line. U.S. flags were presented to three of Alvarado’s surviving nieces, marking a somber yet proud moment for the family.
Christina Coke, carrying flowers to her uncle's newly marked grave, said, “We finally did it Uncle Frank, she said. “We finally did it.” This sentiment reflects the closure the family felt after such an extended period of uncertainty and loss. The headstone serves as a long-overdue recognition of Alvarado's service and sacrifice. “I think he would be proud,” Coke remarked in an interview with KXAN.
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