Arizona WWII Hero Finally Laid to Rest After Decades of MIA Mystery

Pfc. Alcario Flores is believed to have been killed in January 1945 during World War II. Nearly 80 years later, his remains were returned home to be laid to rest.

GUADALUPE, Arizona — After being missing in action for nearly 80 years, a World War II veteran from Arizona was laid to rest this morning.

Earlier this month, the remains of U.S. Army Pvt. 1st Class Alcario V. Flores of Coolidge, who was 37 years old at the time of his death, were identified.

This Saturday, Guadalupe witnessed an emotional farewell for Pfc. Flores.

“We’re just happy that all this happened, and that Alcario Flores is coming to the Guadalupe area again,” said Benito Valencia of Guadalupe American Legion Post 124.

Post members highlighted the importance of incorporating cultural elements into the ceremony to honor Pfc. Flores.

“Finally getting his resting place and the whole family is now comfortable with what took place not only with (the US Department of Defense), but with the whole community,” said Valencia.

The homecoming fulfilled the hopes of Pfc. Flores’ nephew.

“He’s 89 years old and finally, he saw his uncle come back home and laid to rest,” added Valencia.

Distant family members like Jesus Osuna expressed their surprise upon hearing about Pfc. Flores’ positive identification.

“Personally, I didn’t know we had any family members in the military and on top of that, from World War II,” he said. “One of our own in our Valley, from the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. Alcario Flores was found.”

Pfc. Flores’ family recently received a full briefing on his identification from The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA). The agency is dedicated to recovering and identifying service members from past conflicts.

DPAA spokesperson Sean Everette explained the circumstances surrounding Pfc. Flores’ death.

“Pfc. Flores is believed to have been killed in January 1945 during a German attack on Allied forces along the Franco-German border,” he said. “On January 21st, Pfc. Flores was killed in the fighting. But because of the intensity of the fighting, his body was unable to be recovered at that time.”

Everette noted there were no records of Pfc. Flores being a German prisoner of war, nor were there positively identified remains at that time.

The U.S. War Department issued a “Report of Death” in January 1946 due to the uncertainty.

A breakthrough in the case emerged in 2021.

“A metal detectorist discovered human remains while illegally collecting relics from a foxhole in that area,” Everette said. “The detectorist also discovered material evidence linking those remains to U.S. Army troops, including clothing and ammo casings.”

A DPAA team in Europe recovered the remains and transferred them to a laboratory for analysis.

In March of this year, experts officially identified the remains as Pfc. Flores using DNA and other evidence.

This positive identification brought relief to his family.

“If it was me 80 years from now, and you know everybody I know is gone, I would love for my descendants, appreciate it, for them to show us the respect and honor that we would deserve if you were left out there on the other side of the world,” said Osuna.

The community was deeply touched by his return.

“It’s very heartfelt that we had our own soldier come back home and rest,” said Valencia. 

“He was a resident of Guadalupe and of course, we were honored to be here and welcome him home,” added Rudy Fimbres of Guadalupe American Legion Post 124. 

After nearly 80 years, Pfc. Flores is finally at peace.

“I know it would make my soul happy to get this kind of treatment he deserves,” reflected Osuna.

Pfc. Flores’ name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at Epinal American Cemetery in Dinozé, France, indicating his sacrifice alongside others from World War II.

A rosette was placed next to his name to signify that he had been accounted for.