The Sylvester Family of Plainview, Minnesota*

Byrl Sylvester returns to Plainview; is greeted by large crowds

November 9, 1917

PAGE 108

experience of a lifetime. He offered his services without compensation or hopes of attaining favor or reward, but for the good he might do, and he richly deserves all honor and credit that can be bestowed upon him.
He describes his wounds as slight, but he remained in the field hospital several weeks before being removed to the American hospital in Paris, where he was again compelled to take to bed. That his wounds were received while on a daring duty and was connected with other valued service to the armies of France was indicated when he was presented with the French War Cross for valor, an honor given but for Americans. It is expected that he will reach home today or Saturday and he will receive a welcome from his many friends that is real.
Misses Imogene Lutz, Esther Brooks, accompanied by Katherine Sylvester and Elizabeth Mack left for Minneapolis Wednesday afternoon to attend the State Educational meeting and spend a few days with friends.
November 9, 1917-

Plainview Boy, War Hero, Home with Croix De Guerre on Breast
Byrl Sylvester, Wounded while with Ambulance Corps, Home Again – Wears
War Cross, Frances’ Highest Award
Byrl Sylvester, Plainview’s famous soldier of fortune, is back home again. Wearing a uniform of the soldier of France, his left breast carrying the much honored French War Cross, a livid scar on his body, received when wounded in one of the battles at the front, and aside from a slight limp, the picture of health arrived in Plainview last Saturday night at 10 o’clock and was greeted with a hearty welcome by the entire populace of his home city.
As the train pulled into the station the Plainview band rendered patriotic airs, while the throng of people surged forward to grasp his hand or even gain a glimpse of his familiar countenance. Immediately he stepped from the train he was raised on the shoulders of huskie friends and carried the length of the long platform, through the throng, waving and greeting and grasping for many hands, to an awaiting auto, appropriately decorated and escorted to his home.
More than 5 months ago he left home. He was clerk in his father’s bank, but he could not resist the call when our country’s honor was at stake in which the principal of justice was involved.
If ever a home boy received a welcome that came from the hearts of the people, Byrl realized that he had received it to the full extent and he thoroughly appreciated it, more than mere words could express. It was indeed a time when home coming meant more than it ever had in his existence.
Every citizen was proved to welcome him, not alone for the valor he has shown but for the real pleasure of welcoming his safe return from a most perilous experience. That all our sons may return as safe is the prayer of every loyal heart.
He went on May 14th to Minneapolis to join the Norton-Harjes ambulance corps and shortly after sailed for France. And for four long months he has gone through battles about which historians of tomorrow will be writing. He came back with the Croix de Guerre pinned on his uniform, France’s highest award.
A short time ago the young man, who voluntarily enlisted for service for his country last spring, was honorably discharged from the American hospital in Paris where he had lain for weeks convalescing from wounds received when he was struck by fragments of a bursting German shell while on duty.
The trip home was a long, tiresome one and it was a great relief to once more enter his own home to enjoy the real comforts of life. After a complete rest he has again taken his position in the Plainview State Bank and during his spare moments is kept busy among his friends describing his experiences and giving details of the war in France.

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* SOURCE: Manzow, Ron (compiler), "The Sylvester Family of Plainview, Minnesota - a collection of information taken from the Plainview News, other newspapers, letters, and diaries beginning in 1884": Plainview Area History Center, 40 4th St. S.W., Plainview, MN 55964. Compiled in 2001.

NOTE: from Ron Manzow, December 2001: "Feel free to reproduce the pages for anyone who wants a copy. It was compiled to be shared... All I ask is that they consider sending a check to the [Plainview Area] History Center to help us out. That should be enough."