Lester Bornstein, 168 ENGR CMBT BN B, and Francis Chesko, 7 ARMDD & 148 CBT ENGR BN, both fought at St. Vith during the Battle of the Bulge. 75 years later they met for the first time in Washington, DC at BOBA’s 75th Commemoration in January 2020 (pictured above).

They became fast friends and were chosen to lay the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier together (pictured below). The next month, Francis, who lived in Mahanoy City, PA, travelled to New Jersey to attend Lester’s 95th birthday party. They and their families kept in touch and looked forward to the next reunion.

Sadly, we lost them both within a few days of each other. Francis passed on November 24, 2020 at the age of 96 and Lester at the age of 95 on December 5, 2020.

Francis and Lester, two amazing men, who sacrificed their youth to preserve our freedom and our liberties. Their BOBA family is privileged to have known them and sends condolences to their families. We miss them so much!