Irzyk Park

The park is named in honor of Brigadier General Albin F. Irzyk, a Salem native who served in World War II, the Berlin Crisis of 1961, and the Vietnam War. Initially joining the United States Army in 1940, he gave a total of 31 years in its service.  

During World War II, he served as the commander of the 8th Tank Battalion, 4th Armored Division in the Europe Theatre. He fought in five campaigns across the continent and was wounded twice in battle. For his heroism during the war, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star with one Oak Leaf Clusters, the Bronze Star with three Old Leaf Clusters, the Purple Heart with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Croix de guerre 1939–1945, and the Czechoslovak War Cross 1939–1945.

During the Berlin Crisis, he served as the commander of the 14th Armored Cavalry Regiment. In Vietnam, he was the assistant commander of the 4th Infantry Division. He logged 600 combat hours in a helicopter during his tour overseas, earning him eleven Air Medals and a Distinguished Service Medal. By January of 1968, Brigadier General Irzyk was the commander of the Army's Headquarters Area Command in Saigon, where he served during the Viet Cong Tet Offensive. He later retired in 1971, his last assignment serving as Commanding General of Fort Devens.

The park on Fort Avenue was dedicated in his honor in 1999.