Forty-six years ago today, a young Coast Guardsman from Benbrook gave his life so others could live.
Seaman Apprentice William R. Flores was just 18 years old when he was killed during the 1980 capsizing of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn near the entrance to Tampa Bay. The incident remains the Coast Guard’s worst peacetime disaster, claiming 23 lives.
In the moments after the collision, Flores acted with extraordinary calm and courage. As the ship rolled and capsized, he helped distribute lifejackets to crewmembers in the water. When others were forced to abandon ship, Flores stayed behind, using his own belt to secure a locker door so lifejackets would continue to surface for shipmates fighting to survive. Even as the vessel sank, he remained to assist trapped and injured crewmembers, placing their lives ahead of his own.
His actions saved many. His sacrifice cost him everything.
Today, Flores is remembered not only in Coast Guard history, but here at home. His statue stands at Benbrook City Hall, a lasting reminder of a life marked by service, courage, and selflessness.
As the community pauses to remember January 28, 1980, Benbrook honors a local hero whose devotion to duty reflects the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.
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