Ernest P. Sylvina, military hero and courageous man, was born  on September 6, 1915.  At the time of his birth, his parents, Agustino and Lucy Sylvina, resided in their quiet West Grove, Pennsylvania home located on 119 Murray Avenue.  In later years, the family picked up and moved to a home located at 210 Evergreen Street, which is currently standing at that exact location. 

Ernest was the only child for three years.  In 1918, his brother Armand was born.  1920 brought the birth of another brother, Frederick, and another brother was born in 1924.  A younger sister Arlene was the last of the blossoming clan born in 1936. 

Ernest attended Avon Grove High School in West Grove, Pennsylvania where he hit homeruns and stole bases for the baseball team.  All the boys in his family had a love for baseball.  He attended St. Mary's Church in West Grove as well. 

 

Click each picture to enlarge Ernest (left) with his friend, Bill

Ernest (center), with two army buddies

Lucy Sylvina (center) and her four sons. Ernest (upper left), Armand (lower left), Frederick (upper right), Thomas (lower right)

After graduating high school, Ernest moved to New York City and took a job as a waiter at

 Knickerbocker's Restaurant.  In 1940, Ernest bravely enlisted himself into the United States Army where he proudly served our country during World War II.  In fact, all three of Ernest's brothers served in the military. 

       Ernest’s training earned him the rank of technical sergeant.  He went on to serve in the Sicilian and African campaigns and  also served in Italy, England, and Germany.

       On October 16, 1944, Ernest P. Sylvina died in combat on the front lines in Germany, fighting with the 18th Infantry Division.  He was twenty-nine years old and had served in the military for four years.  His funeral services were held at the Worrall Funeral Home in Kennett Square Pennsylvania.  He was later buried at St. Patrick's Church also located in Kennett Square.  Representatives from the William W. Fahey American Legion Post and the Sons of Italy came to the services to pay their respects.  He was buried with military honors and received six citations for bravery. 

       Today Ernest has many living relatives.  His sister Arlene is still living and so are his nephews: Tom, Michael, and nieces: Sherri, Lucy, and Terry.  Ernest also has numerous great-nephews and nieces.  One thing that all these family members have in common is a respect for Ernest and all of their other relatives who served in the armed forces.  Ernest continues to be a hero to his both his family and those who have learned about him.  He gave up the most valuable thing he had to protect our country, and that is something that is very bold and should be commended.  Ernest P. Sylvina's legacy will live on in all of us, for we know that he is one of our nation's many heroes.