Local Boy Dies in Action on French Front

From The Indianapolis Star, Tuesday, March 12: “Deeply regret to inform you that Corporal Ralph R. Flora, infantry, is officially reported killed in action March 8.” This brief message, received late yesterday by Ellis and Rebekah Flora, 1616 E. Washington St, brought news of the first Indianapolis man in the American Army killed in battle against the Germans. Seventeen-year old Corporal Flora joined the regular army here on March 15, 1917, and was among the first to go to France. He was a member of Co L, 28th United States Infantry. His father operates a bakery at 1620 E. Washington St. In addition to his parents, Corporal Flora is survived by four brothers, Earl Flora, 26; Otto Flora, 24; Theodore Flora, 14; and Ellis Flora, Jr, 9, and three sisters, Mrs. Ruth Hunsucker, Mrs. Lillian Cox, and Mrs. Esther Bergland.

“Local Boy Dies in Action on French Front,” The Indianapolis Star, 12 March 1918, p. 1:1