Bio of Byrl E. SYLVESTER (b.1892 d.1918), Wabasha Co., MN

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Sylvester - 

Byrl E. Sylvester, holder of the French Croix de Guerre, bearer of an 
honorable record in the World War, and an inspiration force in volunteer 
recruiting in southeastern Minnesota, gave his life in the cause of 
humanity at the threshhold of his manhood's career and left the memory 
of a noble and wholesome life that will be an incentive for good deeds 
to the youth of this vicinity for a generation to come. He was born in 
Plainview, October 28, 1892, the son of Edwin L. and Hettie L. (Dillon)
Sylvester, passed through the graded schools of Plainview, graduated from 
Plainview High School in 1914, entered the University of Minnesota, and 
there studied three years. While at the university he was popular with 
his associates, and was admitted to fellowship in the Delta Kappa Epsilon 
fraternity. Returning to his home, he started what he planned as life w
ork as a financier by becoming an assistant in the Plainview State Bank. 
He was thus employed when the United States entered the World War. 
Thrilled with a patriotism, which was the heritage from his long line 
of sturdy pioneer ancestors, he left his position in the bank, and on 
April 24, 1917, with a number of his college mates, entered the Norton-
Harjes Ambulance Corps, leaving for France, where he spent five months 
in active Red Cross service, as an ambulance driver, until he was wounded 
in action September 12, 1917, the wound resulting from acts of great 
valor which won him the Croix de Guerre. After returning home to recover 
from his injuries, he had but one aim, that of returning to France to do 
his part in the great struggle. From the time of his return he was a 
changed man. That buoyant spirit he had carried all his life had left 
him. The stern realities of war and what it meant to the people of 
Belgium and France seemed always to be his foremost thought. He 
maintained a serious attitude, feeling that he owned a duty in returning 
to those war-ridden countries to aid in securing a permanent peace. As 
he regained his strength his chief thought was upon the war, and 
inspiring many to enlist and do their share. After his recovery, though 
he was acquainted with all the horrors of war, and well knowing his 
possible fate, he could, nevertheless, remain home no longer. 
Consequently he re-enlisted for service, this time in the United States 
forces. Entering the Naval Air Service, he became a member of the first 
class of student pilots at Dunwoodie Institute, at Minneapolis, with 
the nominal rating of chief quartermaster. From the Dunwoodie Institute 
he went to the flying field of the Boston School of Technology, studying 
aviation as a member of the Naval Flying Corps. Later he was transferred 
to the Naval Aviation Station at Pensacola, Florida, where he would have 
completed his course and received his commission June 22, 1918. He was 
killed by a collision in mid-air, 700 feet from the earth, June 19, 1918. 
His body fell into the bay and was recovered. It was brought back to 
Plainview, and is laid to rest here. He was accorded full naval and 
military honors, and the sorrowing concourse which accompanied him to 
his last resting place embraced substantially the whole population of 
the vicinity, as well as distinguished people from all over the state.

The papers teemed with eulogies of his life and work. As a boy he had 
been studious, courteous, courageous and kindly, his unfailing 
cheerfulness and never flagging enthusiasm in study and work and play 
being a distinguishing characteristic. Lively and full of spirits, he 
was loved by his elders, and liked by his boy companions among whom he 
was a natural leader. As a young man, the esteem and liking of his 
friends and associates was deepened. Cut off as he was so early in life, 
nevertheless the span of his years held much of real benefit to his 
fellow man, and the world is better for his having died.

Among the tributes is that of Will G. Mack in the Plainview News of 
June 28, 1918:

"We would be glad if we could say all that there is in our heart to say, 
but how shall a man enumerate the virtues of a friend or catalogue the 
factors of his affection? Yet we would like to have the world know him 
as we knew him. It is true he is gone, but his memory remains. What he 
was to each of us and what he was to his home will abide as a gracious 
recollection throughout all coming years. He will continue with us as a 
part of our experience and of our lives. In no other calling or pursuit 
do men learn so keenly and justly to appraise each other and to know and 
value them. Character in the arena is always subjected to the acid test 
and nowhere else are such warm and enduring friends formed as these 
which develop out of this great world struggle we are now experiencing. 

"The extreme test now asked of our young men reveals not alone what 
flaws and defects there many be in life and character, but it brings 
out the strong qualities and noble qualities of character as well. It 
is in that same test the record and character of Byrl E. Sylvester shine 
stainless and flawless. He was one of the strong young men, industrious, 
studious, tireless, a high type of American soldier. His life must serve 
both as an example and as an inspiration to the young men of America. 
He was considerate and courteous, sympathetic to a degree, and rejoiced 
in the service of his country. In his quiet way he was eager and anxious 
to do his bit.

"There is no man to whom this community turns with more profound respect 
than to our war hero. In all his efforts he was exact and painstaking 
and never spared himself. Few of us will ever forget his last appearance 
in Plainview. Though he had seen much of the great conflict and suffered 
from his pain, he gave no sign. He was cheerful, patient, polite through 
all. His devotion to duty, his stern sense of responsibility, his 
obedience to conscience, were so complete that all other considerations 
gave way for the task which he felt it was his duty to complete. He was 
modest and unobtrusive in his demeanor, but resolute and unswerving in 
maintaining a decision arrived at after reflection, and always ready to 
give a reason for faith that was in him. 
He was a delightful and interesting companion, as will be attested by 
all who knew him well. He was an optimist, hopeful, not despondent. His 
whole philsophy of life was sweet and wholesome, and he lived up to his 
philosophy. Whether it was stormy or whether the sun was shining, his 
attitude was one of complacency, for he lived daily as one who did daily 
his daily task and left the consequences with God.

"We say he his dead, which is to say his soul has parted company with 
he tenement of clay; but the impulses he imparted to us shall continue 
to live in us and bear fruit, each after its kind; and we, in turn, 
shall pass them on to those that follow us. Our friend's body is gone, 
but his dreams of service and of human duty remain.

"His death not only brought the deepest sorrow and sadness to the 
paternal home, but has cast a gloom over the entire community. We are 
reminded in the sacrifice of this young man's life for his country that 
we live not in years, but in deeds, and the influence of his brave 
sacrifice upon our citizens and those of the state cannot be estimated. 
Realizing the sorrow it has brought in this home, and feeling the loss 
it has brought to our country, all extend our heartful sympathy."

Another tribute was in the Rochester Bulletin of June 25, 1918:

"To realize danger and then to fearlessly face it, that is heroism. 
Byrl Sylvester, returning to the conflict after he had received the 
scars of war and the honors of a nation, did not rest on these laurels, 
hard won as they were. The greatest thing in a life that was full of 
lessons was this young soldier's return to service that he might have 
still greater share in the world struggle to make men free. Undaunted 
and unafraid, he remained at home only long enough to recover from his 
wounds, then he was off to give his last full measure of devotion. What 
greater tribute can his parents have than that of the officer who 
observed his spirit and testified his worth: "He offered his services 
without compensation or reward, but for the good he might do. He richly 
deserved all the honor and credit that can be bestowed upon him." The 
awful scenes of carnage on the fields of France, instead of inspiring 
death and fear, but kindled a sort of divine fire in his soul and he 
gave his all for the cause to which his country is committed. Such was 
the mettle of Byrl Sylvester, man and soldier."

Among the official documents in regard to Byrl E. Sylvester, two are of 
ever-increasing importance, and are here given in part, the first being 
the announcement of his death, and the second a translation of his 
citation:

"U.S. Navel Air Station
				Pensacola, Florida, June 22, 1918
Mr. E. L. Sylvester,
Plainview, Minnesota
My dear Mr. Sylvester: In further connection with telegram sent you from 
this station, I am writing you additional details concerning the 
deplorable accident which resulted in the death of your son. The accident 
occurred at 6:30 a.m., June 19th, while Chief Quartermasters Sylvester 
and Blair were in formation flight together with two other planes. Your 
son was at an altitude of 700 feet, a few hundred yards in the rear of 
and 200 yards above the leader of the formation. 
Blair  was on the same level as your son and a few hundred yards to the 
rear and to the left. The formation was making a right turn over the 
water near the station when your son's plane was seen to skid to the 
left and crash into Blair's plane while he was in the right turn. Your 
son's plane seemed to slow up because of the skid and thus Blair's plane 
hung up with him.

It appears the pilots of both planes were intent upon following the 
leader and probably didn't see each other until just before the crash. 
The planes immediately locked wings and swung around into a head-on 
collision, and instantly fell to the water, seperating after having fallen 
several hundred feet. Your son's efficiency and aptitude have been so 
great that he was about to receive his commission in record time. He was 
one of our most promising young officers and his death was a sorrow to 
the whole station and a great loss to the Navy. In writing this letter 
I am endeavoring to do what I can to convey what little comfort is 
possible to the parents of this fine, patriotic young man who has given 
his life in the line of duty for his country in her great crises. 
The whole station extends deepest sympathy to the parents of Byrl Edwin 
Sylvester, Chief Quartermaster, U. S. N. R. F.

Very Sincerely,
F.W. Bennett
"Captain, U.S. Navy, Commandant."

"SECOND ARMY CORPS, HEALTH DIRECTOR'S OFFICE
No. 1719-P, Extract from Order No. 65

"The head physician of the First Class petit, Director of Health Service 
of the 2nd Army Corps, submits a citation corresponding to the Order of 
the Regiment:

"American Section No. 62, commanded by the French Lieutenant, Pierre 
Hivonnait and the associated American commander, H. Ronald Pearce, for 
having distinguished himself by his indefatigable spirit, his absolute 
comtempt of danger, his service with a coolness and courage worthy of 
all praise, in a sector under constant bombardment in the course of 
attacks from July 31 to August 2, and the first days of September, 1917, 
when one driver was killed and three wounded at an advanced post.

"R. P. Hall, American driver of the S.S. U-62, Mle. 2969. 'Very 
courageous and devoted. Killed at his post, September 12, 1917.'

"B. E. Sylvester, American driver of the S.S. U-62, Mle. 2974. 'Full of 
courageous ardor and devotion; wounded at his post, September 12, 1917.'

"At. Q. G., September 17, 1917.
"Head Physician Fist Class Petit.
"Director of Health Service 2nd Army Corps.
"(Signed) DEDEU.
"For transmission to those interested."

This appreciation of the life and work of a noble young man may well 
be closed with the heartfelt lines written by one who loved and admired 
him since his boyhood days:

			Dedicated to Byrl E. Sylvester.
			    (Who Died June 19, 1918.)
			         By Mrs. J. N. Bates.
	The stars of blue on our service flag,
		So soon are changing to shining gold,
	And tellof the hearts whose lives are done-
		While they an our hearts are enrolled.

	Proudly they went when the colors called-
		But how soon the sad story is told;
	That one has died for the dear old flag,
		And his blue star gives way to the gold.

	Among the boys who crossed to France,
		To rescue the wounded,  the dying,
	Was oourndear, brave Byrl,  who,  under fire,
		Hastened to where the wounded were lying.

	Went through the storms of bursting shells
		To save many an unknown brother,
	Brought them in safety to Red Cross Aid,
		Ready, if need be, to die for others.

	It was not for him to fall in France, 
		Though for weeks 'mong the wounded he lay,
	Then the good ship brought him safely home,
		And 'twas hoped he'd be willing to stay.

	But no!  The colors kept calling,
		And with patriotism all aglow,
	He rose in the strength of his manhood,
		And said: "I know that I must go."

	The first of our boys to cross to France,
		The first of our boys to lie wounded,
	The first to red=ceive the French Croix de Guerre,
		The second to die to the flag.

	On that fateful morn, in the early grey,
		When the fogs lay thick and dark like a pall,
	He soared in the place up through the clouds,
		And the watchers below saw him fall.

	Before he had reached ambition's goal, 
		Or gained the hoped for reknown,
	He had reached the heights more glorious,
		And received the Hero Martyr's crown.

	Brave Byrl, we will never forget thee,
		Thy memory in our hearts we'll enfold,
	Ye died for our flag and our homeland,
		Now we'll give thee thy star of gold.

Note: This biography was taken from the books 
" History of Wabasha County" 
copyrighted in 1920.