Austin Army Veteran laid to rest in unmarked grave gets headstone 75 years later

AUSTIN (KXAN) — On a rainy afternoon at Austin's Memorial Park Cemetery, a U.S. Army Veteran who lies in an unmarked grave, was finally 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 surviving family wasn't aware exactly where he was buried until a couple of years ago.

Christina Coke, one of Alvarado's nieces, walked though the grave site on Monday. She carried with her flowers, which she placed on her uncle's grave as she shared few words with him.

"We finally did it Uncle Frank, she said. "We finally did it."

It took years, but after research and help from relatives and other veteran organizations they were able to get a tombstone from the Veteran administration.

It took time, because the family had to track down required documents they didn't have, in order for the VA to make the grave marking.

"I think he needs to be honored and recognized, that he served," Alvarado's niece, Christina Coke said.

During the memorial service, the nonprofit Austin Patriot Guard Riders was present for a flag line. US flags were presented to three of Alvarado's surviving nieces.

"I think he would be proud," Coke said.