Normand P. Peloquin 80 a highly decorated US Army Veteran of nearly thirty years service (World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War) died on Saturday April 7th in St. Antoine Residence, 10 Rhodes Ave. Normand fought a courageous battle with his cancer illness for over 3 ½ years. He was born July 26, 1926 in Woonsocket at 205 Gaulin Ave. in the Social District, one of 8 children of the late Armand and Marie Louise (Tellier) Peloquin. His father Armand Peloquin served for nearly 40 years as the Business Agent of the Carpenters Union Local 801 Woonsocket.
Normand attended Woonsocket High School, toiled as a mill worker at the French Worsted and entered the US Army in 1944 at the height of World War II. He served as an infantryman in the Philippine Theatre of Operations. He was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star and numerous decorations.
Normand was a most modest, humble and self -effacing man and one would never know of his many accomplishments. His potential for leadership and responsibility was recognized early in his Army career. Before he reached the age of 20, within two years of his entry into the service he was promoted to the grade of master sergeant.
From 1945 to 1950 Mr. Peloquin served in Japan in the US Army of Occupation under General McArthur. In 1950, he was appointed Warrant Officer and through his career rose to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4.
During the height of the Korean War, Warrant Officer Peloquin as Adjutant of the 63rd Ordinance Ammunition Battalion in Japan, his performance and judgment were important factors in determining the ammunition needs of the United Nations combat forces in Korea and insuring that issuance of ammunition from Japan and our nation’s ammunition factories was handled expeditiously.
During the time he was assigned to administrative-type duties, CWO Peloquin was repeatedly commended for his conscientious and efficient manner in which he accomplished varied assignments. He was particularly cited for his outstanding service as Chief Officer’s Branch, Adjutant General’s Section, Headquarters I Corps in Korea in 1955 and 1956.
In 1958 Mr. Peloquin became part of the Army’s Intelligence Section serving in commands within the US as well as 6 ½ years in France. There his uncommon diplomatic approach, calm judgment and fluency in the French language provided invaluable in the performance of intelligence duties of a most sensitive nature in Europe.
In 1968 and 1969 he was called to duty in Vietnam in the Counterintelligence Division. During this difficult time of hostilities and international tension he was cited for outstanding service, earning the Army Commendation Medal and the Bronze Star.
CWO4 Peloquin’s extensive background in military intelligence and his fluency in French proved of inestimable value in May 1971 when he was assigned as a French interpreter in support of General Lon Nol, Prime Minister of the Khmer Republic and his entourage during the General’s recuperation period in Hawaii. For this service Mr. Peloquin was commended by Admiral John S. McCain Jr. Commander in Chief Pacific for his “tact and diplomacy”. Admiral McCain noted that CWO4 Peloquin’s contribution played a major role in developing the relationship between himself and the Prime Minister and improved the already close ties between their two countries.
In 1973 upon his Army retirement Mr. Peloquin was awarded, by direction of the President, the Meritorious Service Medal for his exemplary service from September 1944 to May 1973 and for exhibiting throughout his military career superior proficiency in his given tasks, thoughtful leadership ability, unsurpassed loyalty to his country and dedication to duty. His accomplishments were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflected great credit upon himself and on the United States Army.
Upon his retirement from the Army in 1973 he remained in Hawaii. Having earned a GED diploma in the service, he enrolled in the Community College of Hawaii and earned an Associate’s Degree.
Upon his return to his homeland of Woonsocket, he treasured family life, reuniting in depth with his large extended family. On December 7, 2000 he was awarded a Woonsocket High School Diploma during
Operation Recognition whereby 155 high school diplomas were awarded to World War II Veterans who because of the depression and World War II entry had not been able to earn a WHS Diploma.
In 2002 and 2003, Mr. Peloquin along with 12 of the area veterans and home-front personnel participated in a 6month program whereby the Norwich, CT 5th grade students learned all about their contribution to the war effort.
Mr. Peloquin enjoyed traveling throughout the world, the performing arts and participating in family traditions. He was ever ready to share his knowledge and experience with all.
He is survived by two sisters Rita Peloquin Godin a resident of Oakland Grove Health Care Center in Woonsocket, and Constance Peloquin Blais and her husband Gerard of Woonsocket and one brother Eugene Peloquin of North Smithfield. He was predeceased by three brothers Gerald, Raymond, and Roger Peloquin and one sister Doris Peloquin and a nephew Raymond Blais. He is also survived by 12 nieces and nephews, numerous grandnieces and grandnephews and countless cousins.
His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday April 12th at 10:00 am. in All Saints Church, 123 Rathbun St. Woonsocket. Private interment in the family plot at St. Jean Baptiste Cemetery in Bellingham, MA will be held at a later date. Visiting hours are Wednesday 3-7 pm. at the Fournier and Fournier Funeral Home, 463 South Main St. Woonsocket. In lieu of flowers donations to a charity of your choice in his memory would be appreciated.
Immediately following the Funeral Mass all friends and relatives are invited to a reception in celebration of Normand’s life at the Coachmen’s Lodge 273 Wrentham Rd. in Bellingham, MA.