Alcario V. Flores : “World War II Soldier from Pinal County Identified”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. World War II soldier remains
2. Pinal County soldier identification

A World War II soldier from Coolidge, Arizona, Pvt. 1st Class Alcario V. Flores, has been identified nearly eight decades after his death. Killed in action during the German attack Operation NORDWIND in 1944, Flores’ body was unable to be recovered at the time. In 2021, human remains linked to U.S. Army troops were discovered in France, and after analysis, it was confirmed that they belonged to Flores. His name will be added to the Walls of the Missing at Epinal American Cemetery, with a rosette to signify his accounting. Flores will be buried in Tempe on August 3, 2024.

The Discovery of a Fallen Hero

In a remarkable turn of events, a World War II soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice nearly eight decades ago has finally been identified. The soldier in question is none other than U.S. Army Pvt. 1st Class Alcario V. Flores, a brave man hailing from Coolidge, Arizona. His story is one of courage, sacrifice, and ultimately, closure.

A Fateful Night in History

It was on New Year’s Eve in 1944 when tragedy struck. German troopers launched a devastating attack known as Operation NORDWIND, overwhelming Allied defenses. Amidst the chaos of battle, Flores’ unit found themselves in the midst of the conflict in a sector known as “Hoch Ebersberg” in France. Tragically, Flores lost his life on January 21 during the fierce fighting, with his body unable to be recovered due to the intensity of the battle.

A Decades-Long Mystery Unraveled

For years, Flores’ fate remained a mystery. With no record of his capture by German forces and no remains to be found, the War Department issued a Report of Death in January 1946. However, in a remarkable twist of fate, in 2021, a person using a metal detector stumbled upon human remains while illegally collecting war relics from a foxhole in Hoch Ebersberg. The discovery of clothing and 30-caliber casings led to the identification of the remains as belonging to the fallen soldier.

A Long-Awaited Closure

After extensive analysis using dental and mitochondrial DNA, the remains were confirmed to be those of Alcario V. Flores. His name, along with others still missing from WWII, adorns the Walls of the Missing at Epinal American Cemetery in Dinozé, France. A rosette will soon be placed next to his name to signify that he has finally been accounted for. In a final act of respect and remembrance, Flores will be laid to rest in Tempe on August 3, 2024.

In conclusion, the story of Pvt. 1st Class Alcario V. Flores is one of bravery, sacrifice, and ultimately, closure. After nearly eight decades, his family and loved ones can finally find peace knowing that he has been found and will be honoured with a proper burial.