Malionek Square

Private First Class Chester F. Malionek, a native of 4 Blaney Street, served in the United States Army during World War II. He was born on December 12th, 1924 in Danvers and graduated from Salem High School prior to serving. Private First Class Malionek initially enlisted into the Army on March 24th, 1943. On July 7th, 1944, he joined Company G, 330th Infantry Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division and was wounded in action on July 29th, 1944 in Europe. He was subsequently awarded the Purple Heart for his service in battle.

Tragically, on December 22nd, 1944, he was killed in action by sniper fire during the Battle of Hurtgen Forest in Grosshau, Germany. As a result, Chester was posthumously awarded a Silver Oak Leaf Cluster for his Purple Heart. He was the son of Paul and Tekla (Szczepaniak) Malionek and brother to Andrew, Vincent, Stanley, Clara, John, Frank, Theresa, Joseph, Adolph, Louis, Henry, Mary, and Richard. All of Chester's brothers are veterans themselves; Andrew, Vincent, Stanley, John, and Frank also served during World War II. Chester's remains are buried at the Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery in Belgium.

His square was approved by the City Council on April 27th, 2017, which is located at the corner of Blaney and Derby Streets, dedicated in his honor.