Joseph Baron Sylvia, Plymouth, Massachusetts

LOCATION: The National Smokejumper Association hosted the Mann Gulch 75th Anniversary Memorial Tribute for Joseph Sylvia at the Saint Joseph Cemetery in Plymouth, Massachusetts, on August 4, 2024. Sylvia, 24, died on August 5, 1949, along with twelve other Missoula smokejumpers in the Mann Gulch Fire. James Harrison was formerly a Missoula smokejumper but was a fireguard at Meriwether Campground when he died.

SITE COORDINATOR: Roger Archibald (RDD 84)

BIOGRAPHY: Joe was born October 10, 1924, in Plymouth, Massachusetts, to Peter P. Sylvia and Gilda C. Sylvia. He had three brothers and three sisters and was 3rd oldest in a family of seven. In August of 1942, after graduating from Plymouth High School, Joe enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, while his three brothers joined the Navy and fought in World War II. Joe fought in the Pacific Islands, including Iwo Jima and Saipan. Joe was discharged from active duty with the rank of corporal in October of 1945. He remained with the Marine Corps Reserves, attending the University of Minnesota, where he studied Forestry on the G.I. Bill.

He attended the University of Minnesota, in St. Paul, along with his good friend, smokejumper Stan Reba. The following are comments by Joe’s sister, Thelma Flanagan. “Joe enjoyed hunting, fishing, and living as we did in Plymouth, Massachusetts, where our back door was to the ocean. He was a wonderfully strong swimmer, and our childhood was spent on the beach and in the ocean’s water. He had lots of friends all through school, and he was involved in many activities.” Joe trained as a smokejumper in the summer of 1948 in Missoula, Montana. Somehow, he attracted the nickname “Whitefish.” Having such a love of the outdoors, it is little wonder that Joe enjoyed the travel and adventure that is offered by such a job as this. Joe died in his second season as a smokejumper in 1949.

RELATIVES: Joseph’s brother Alton (85) and his wife Shirley Sylvia attended the ceremony, as well as Kevin Sylvia from Kingston, MA. Joe Sylvia’s son Terry Van Sickle relayed the story of his mom, Donna, and dad meeting in Minneapolis and Joe getting a job to pay for college. He does not remember meeting his dad, though he researched his history in the Plymouth Library. Donna remarried, and Harley Van Sickle adopted Terry.

SITE COORDINATOR: Roger Archibald (RDD 84) quoted in the Plymouth Independent newspaper: “Despite the danger, people rarely die fighting wildfires,”
said Roger Archibald of Quincy, a member of the National Smokejumpers Association who officiated at the Sylvia ceremony.

CEREMONY: Approximately 30 people attended the ceremony on August 4, in Plymouth, including family members and firefighters from the USDA, led by Michael Marquardt, District Forest Fire Warden from Carver, MA. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts presented the NSA with a citation signed by Gov. Maura Healey, recognizing Sylvia’s service and sacrifice on behalf of our nation. In addition to a reading the citation, the ceremony included an overview of Sylvia’s life and the history of the Mann Gulch tragedy, recognition of the NSA memorial medallion on the back of Sylvia’s gravestone, a reading of the Governor’s citation, brief comments by the site coordinator Roger Archibald and Joesph’s brother, Alton, a moment of silence, and a group photo. The American Legion Post 40 from Plymouth conducted a military salute, followed by playing Taps.

RECOGNITION: Smokejumpers in attendance included the Site Coordinator Roger Archibald (RDD 84) and Michael Marquardt, District Forest Fire Warden. The NSA provided a special brass medallion that was affixed to his gravestone so anyone who read the inscription would know that Joseph Sylvia was indeed a hero recognized by the National Smokejumper Association.