World War II Honoree

George R. Normandin

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Shirley, Massachusetts

Honored By

Charles B. Church III

ENTERED THE U.S. NAVY FROM FITCHBURG, MASSACHUSETTS IN 1942. BASIC TRAINING AT NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND. ATTENDED RADIO SCHOOL IN NORTON HEIGHTS, CONNECTICUT. ASSIGNED TO THE SOUTH AMERICAN NAVAL MISSION IN RIO DE JANEIRO. THE MISSION AT THE EMBASSY THERE WAS TO MAINTAIN COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT IN WASHINGTON, D.C. LATER ASSIGNED TO A BRAZILIAN DESTROYER ESCORT SHIP ON SEA AND AIR RESCUE MISSIONS BETWEEN SOUTH AMERICA AND AFRICA. AWARDED THE WWII VICTORY MEDAL, THE AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL AND THE GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AS A RADIOMAN SECOND CLASS, PETTY OFFICER IN 1945.