MKC Ralph Sylvester
I'm sad to announce that shipmate MKC Ralph
Sylvester passed over the bar in Early August 2005. Ralph was only 60 years old. Ralph and I
served on the old 40559 in Milwaukee for five summers as Reserves. We again served together in
PSU303 in the Persian Gulf during Desert Shield/Storm. Ralph went on to several other major
deployments with the Port Security units.If ever there was a natural leader it was Ralph
Sylvester. You would never hear a cuss word pass his lips, but his disapproving scowl could cause
brave men to shudder. A negative shake of his head was all it took for us to know we needed to
shape up.He was the glue that held the MK shop together during the grueling hours in the Gulf.Our
Raider Boats were kept running and our living spaces remained habitable due to Ralph Sylvester and
his gang.Many have passed over the bar prior to Ralph Sylvester, but none was ever a better
Coastie, some equal, but none better.You will be missed Shipmate, rest easy. You have served your
country well.
08/13/05 Submitted by: Danny O'Toole o2l@execpc.com
