Syska, Chester L.

Description

Chester Leroy Syska was born on December 27, 1924, in Pelham, New York, to Helen Mary Taylor Joslin, age 21, and Chester Emil Syska. In Rye his family lived at 15 Roosevelt Ave and later Sanford Street. Chester attended Rye High School and left before his senior year to enlist in the service.

Chester enlisted February 19, 1943 and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He served with the 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional) known as Merrill’s Marauders.

Merrill’s Marauders were an elite, all-volunteer U.S. Army special operations unit in World War II. It was named after Frank Merrill and was a United States Army special operations force unit that specialized in artillery observer, close-quarters battle, combat patrol, commando style raids in jungle warfare, guerrilla warfare, long-range penetration, special reconnaissance, and tracking targets to frontline military intelligence gathering or surprise attacks, which fought in the South-East Asian theatre of World War II, or China Burma India theater (CBI).
The unit became famous for its long-range penetration missions behind Japanese lines, often engaging Imperial Japanese forces superior in number.

In April 1945 Chester wrote a thank you note to the Rye Citizens Committee when his 1944 Christmas package finally caught up with him.

Dear Sirs:
Thank you for the lovely package you sent me. I just received it and at the best time. I am in the hospital with typhus. I was taken sick in the middle of a battle so you see your gift came along at a good time. God bless you all.

Chester Syska

Despite suffering over 90% casualties due to brutal jungle conditions and intense fighting, they achieved their objectives, earning legendary status and a Congressional Gold Medal for every member receiving a Bronze Star.

Chester returned home. He married Agnes Binder on March 28, 1948, in Stamford, Connecticut. They would have three children. He started his own construction company in Stamford, eventually moving to Wyndham, NY to raise his family. He touched many lives throughout his years. He will be greatly missed .

Chet Syska (Big Guy) passed away at home in Coxsackie, New York, Friday, November 27,2020, at the age of 95.

At the time of his death, he was survived by his three children, Mark Syska of Ninilchik Alaska, Gayle Jensen of Coxsackie, N.Y., and Todd Syska of Poughkeepsie N.Y. 6 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.

Name: Chester Le Roy Syska
Race: White
Age: 18
Birth Date: 27 Dec 1925
Birth Place: Pelham, N. Y.
Residence Place: Rye, West, New York
Registration Date: 5 Jan 1943
Registration Place: Mamaroneck, Westchester, New York, USA
Employer: School – Nat Shoe Slore Port Cherter N. Y.
Weight: 159
Complexion: Ruddy
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: Brown
Height: 5” 11″
Next of Kin: Chester E Syska