Chester Flynn Reid was born in Los Cerillos, New Mexico, on the 19th of November. 1901. At an early age he came to Nevada, and was placed in the public schools at Fallon. Later, having moved to Elko, he entered school there, where he won a reputation as an athletic leader. During his school life he received many medals for athletic victories. He graduated from the Elko public schools, February 2d, 1917. The day after war was declared with Germany (April 7, 1917) Chester gave up his position with the Western Union Company in Elko, and enlisted in the army. He was only fifteen years old, but was determined to go, so giving his age as eighteen years, he entered the Aviation Service. He remained in this service a year and three months, seeing service in Canada and Texas, at the end of which time he was transferred to the Infantry. In August, 1918, he sailed for France with Company B, 142d Infantry, of the 36th Division. This division was thrown into the front line on October 9th-10th to relieve a brigade of the 2d Division.

The movement was not a part of the Meuse-Argonne advance of our main army, but took place to the left (west) of the Argonne line in a position to the southeast of Rethel. The 36th moved northward with French forces on its left and right until October 26th-27th, acting as an isolated American unit. On the first day of this advance (October 9th, 1918), Private Chester Reid fell on the field of battle. He was not yet seventeen years old, but the bravery of the boy was such as to call for recognition from those who witnessed his courage. The French Government bestowed a Croix de Guerre with a silver star for bravery in battle, and cited him in Order No. 15511 “D,” of which the following is an extract: “General Headquarters of the French Armies of the East. With the approbation of the Commander-in-Chief of the American Expeditionary Forces in France, the Marshal of France, Commander-in-Chief of the French Armies of the East, cites in the Order of the Division, Private Chester F. Reid, No. 1105867, Company B, 142d Regiment of Infantry. ‘Displayed extraordinary heroism during the combats of October 8th-10th, 1918, near St. Etienne a Arnes. Was killed during the action.’ At General Headquarters, April 6th, 1919. The Marshal of France, Commander-in-Chief of the French Armies of the East. Petain.” The soldier’s mother, Mrs. Mary Flynn Reid, and a sister, Josephine Reid, reside at 639 North Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada. The boy they gave to the Flag has added a luster to its glory which shall never be tarnished or diminished so long as it shall wave over the Nation.