New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
“I was saddened today to learn of the passing of Normand Chartier, a lifelong New Bedford resident and World War II Army Veteran who landed on Utah Beach on D-Day and fought at the Battle of the Bulge. Mr. Chartier was a true American hero, and we are profoundly grateful for his gallant service to our nation. I had the honor of knowing Norm as a friend, and I will miss him dearly.
For decades, Normand was active in his community volunteering much of his time at the New Bedford Fort Taber Fort Rodman Military Museum and was a founding member of the Exercise Tiger Association. Most recently, Normand proudly served as Grand Marshal of the 2014 New Bedford Veterans Day Parade.
On behalf of the City of New Bedford, I extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Marcelle and the entire Chartier family as well as to his many friends and fellow veterans.”
– New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell
About Normand O. Chartier
Normand served as a Combat Medic in Company F, 2nd Battalion Raider Platoon, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division during WWII. Normand was a lifelong New Bedford resident having entered the service from 1117 Joyce Street in New Bedford.
Normand’s unit landed on Utah Beach on D-Day June 6, 1944, and fought through the Normandy Campaign, Northern France, Rhineland, the Ardennes and Central Europe campaigns ending their tour on VE Day outside of Munich, Germany. Normand’s unit was one of those credited with the liberation of Dachau Concentration Camp, where he witnessed firsthand the unspeakable horrors of the Nazi regime.
Normand returned home from the service and on June 5, 1948, married Marcelle Audette. Normand was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, a volunteer at the Fort Taber Fort Rodman Military Museum, and one of the founding members of the Exercise Tiger Association.
Mr. Chartier was interviewed for the New Bedford Cable Network series “Heroes Among Us,” which profiles local area veterans as they reflect upon their war time service. The series is hosted by the President of the Fort Taber/Fort Rodman Historical Association Joseph Langlois, and was produced by Cable Access Videographer Sue Richards.
His Funeral will be held on Friday at 11 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by his Funeral Mass at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church at 12 Noon. Burial with follow in the Massachusetts National Cemetery. Visiting hours Thursday 4-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum, 1000C South Rodney French Blvd., New Bedford, MA 02744. Obituary: http://www.saundersdwyer.com/Obituaries.htm
