Chester Fitzgerald
Chester Fitzgerald
Section G115
1896-1918
KIA: October 9, 1918
The death of a child can change the course for a parents life forever. This is the case when it comes to Chester Fitzgerald and his mother.
Like so many other young men of the Tonawandas Chester entered the military during WW1 at the age 22. He was assigned to co I of the 125 Infantry. He was sent to France to fight in the first World War. He was young and brave, ready to fight for the freedom of so many. Like too many other young men of his time Chester was killed Meuse-Argonne Offensive. The war ended a month after his death, but Chester's story didn't.
The young men returning home from war told Chester's parents that he had not died. They claimed to have seen him in a hospital in France. They contacted the Red Cross to find out if Chester was in fact alive. It wasn't long before word came that he had in fact perished in battle.
At the close of the war 70,000 bodies remained overseas. The government had had to locate the burials, confirm identities, and form records before transferring bodies.
Families were given the hard decision leave their lost sons overseas or bring them home. Around 60% wanted the bodies brought home. Augusta Fitzgerald was one of them. In 1921 Chester received a proper burial in his hometown. He was buried with military honors in a huge funeral.
In 1928 the Gold Star Mothers were formed. It was a group of mother's who had lost a son in battle. They were often invites to veteran events and would have had front row seats to memorial Day services. She made sure her son was not forgotten. She remained active in the Gold Star Mother's until her death at 100 years old. She had 113 descendants at the time of her death.
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