From the Boston American Newspaper of December 24, 1944

8 Vacant Chairs at Yule

Christmas this year will be celebrated by most American families with aching thoughts for some absent member fighting on a distant battlefield. In the home of Mr. and Mrs. Leon Ostler on Broadway, Chelsea, the loneliness will be multiplied eightfold, for this quiet, retiring family has eight sons in service, one of them, Charles, 31, recently killed in action.   The walls of the cream-colored living room are literally papered with inumerable decorations, citations, purple hearts and letters of praise from high ranking officers. One is signed by President Roosevelt, another by General Marshall, still another by General Kenney. All of them have the same theme--the heroism of the Ostler boys in action.   The eldest, PFC Charles J. Ostler, 31, was killed in Italy the day Rome fell. He had fought through the entire African and Italian campaigns, been wounded, decorated, recovered and placed back in action at his own insistance. He was one of the sacrifices America had to make to drive the Germans from that ancient and noble city.   The other seven are still fighting. Three at an unknown location in Belgium, two in England, one in parts unknown and one in this country to attend a medical operation for his father. Before his illness the father worked for a coal company. Both he and Mrs. Ostler are proud of their sons in their shy quiet way, and often muse at the message sent by President Roosevelt on the death of their eldest. The message reads: "He dared to die so the freedom might live ... in a way that humbles the undertaking of most men..." Another message reads: "He did not die in vain, for he kept the United States flag unstained..."   Always exceeding cheerful and reserved, the parents now have new worries. Another set of twins, 14-year-old Richard and Lawrence, haunt the local draft board in hope their age will be overlooked and they get into service.   The only girl in the family is 17-year-old Marylin, who wants to enlist in the WAC. Alan, 26, has tried repeatedly to get into the service but he lacks one arm. Mr. and Mrs. Ostler smile patiently and wait - hope in their eyes. In any listing of America's First Families, proudly list the Ostlers.

June 1944 Private Charles J. Ostler, 31, one of eight Chelsea brothers in the armed services, is reported as "missing in action" in Italy, according to a message received by his mother, Mrs. Leon Ostler, 198 Broadway, Chelsea. The body of PFC Charles J. Ostler, son of Mr. and Mrs. Leon K. Ostler of 198 Broadway, has arrived in this country aboard the Army transport Lawrence Victory and will be sent to this city for a mass and burial. PFC Ostler was killed in action May 11-12, 1944, in Italy. He was the brother of School Committeeman Howard L. Ostler, also a veteran. Return to World War 2 page