AUSTIN (KXAN) — On a rainy afternoon at Austin’s Memorial Park Cemetery, a U.S. Army Veteran who lies in an unmarked grave, will finally be honored with dignity, 75 years later.
Frank S. Alvarado was a member of the elite First Special Service Force. He was killed in action in Italy, in December 1943, according to a relative.
Alvarado’s family said he was missing in action until 1949. His cremains were brought home to Texas and taken to the Austin Memorial Park Cemetery.
“His grave has been an unmarked grave until recently when through extensive research, a niece was able to get a headstone from the VA,” Alvarado’s relative, Gerald Coke said. “After 81 years since his death, 75 years of an unmarked grave, this hero now has a monument to honor his service and sacrifice.”
There will be a memorial service at 2 pm, where the nonprofit Austin Patriot Guard Riders will be there for a flag line, and will present US flags to three of Alvarado’s surviving nieces.
This story will be updated by Reporter Jala Washington.
