Interviewed by:

Catie Crowell and Mikey Whitney

Richard Sylver's Story:

Richard Sylver was a staff sergeant in the field artillery, a branch of the military that focused on the use of mobile and, for the most part, mechanical artillery on the battlefield. Before Mr. Sylver was drafted at the age of 21, he lived on Cape Cod with his family. On Cape Cod, Mr. Sylver held many jobs, ranging from being a carpenter to being a mechanic.

Once Mr. Sylver was drafted into the military, it was soon discovered that he was unable to join the army because of his perforated eardrum. So, after demonstrating his mechanically-inclined thinking through an IQ test, Mr. Sylver was placed in the field artillery. Soon after, Mr. Sylver began his military training, having to travel between military forts across the country. He ended up travelling to four different military bases across the country, and then he was ready to be sent overseas.

While crossing the Atlantic, Mr. Sylver endured horrendous weather and other conditions that were hardly ideal. After Mr. Sylver’s nearly two-week trip overseas, he started working in England and then in France, Belgium, Germany and Austria while he was stationed in Europe. He repaired many military vehicles. The most notable of the vehicles were tanks, his main job requiring him to replace the tracks on the tank.

Eventually, Mr. Sylver was discharged from the service while in Vienna, Austria, but he didn’t leave the service unnoticed. Mr. Sylver had acquired several medals throughout his service, including the French Legion of Honour medal that he was given for his service in France and his work beside French soldiers. Richard Mr. Sylver’s story is one that is impressive from beginning to end, and is sure to leave a lasting impression on any who hear it.