LEWISTON – Bertrand L. Galarneau, 89, of Boston Avenue, Lewiston, formerly of Harmons Corner, Auburn, passed away peacefully Saturday, Aug. 26, with his wife, Doris, and son, Wayne, at his side in Lewiston.

He was born Oct. 3, 1916, in Lewiston, the son of Ernest and Rose (Saindon) Galarneau, he attended Lewiston schools and at 19 he joined the U.S. Army in January 1936, which started his 25-year military career at Fort McKinley with the Fifth Infantry Regiment on Great Diamond Island in Portland.

He entered World War II while stationed at Fort Constitution, Battery ‘A’ 22nd Coastal Artillery of Harbor Defenses in Portsmouth, N.H. His combat career included the invasion and capture of the island of Saipan with the 27th Infantry Division in the Pacific Chapter of World War II. Post WWII, he was stationed in Fort Dix, N.J., where he completed advanced NCO School. He participated in combat action again in the defense of the Pusan Perimeter in the Korean War with the 72nd Tank Battalion, Second Infantry Division. It is here where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal (with ‘V for heroic achievement).

He fought in Korea all the way to the Yalu River. Also, he assisted as an interpreter with the French forces at the beginning of this conflict. After the Korean War, he acted as first sergeant to Tank Company of the 26th Infantry in Bamberg, Germany. His last military assignment brought him back to Lewiston, where he closed out his career as an adviser to the local National Guard Unit.

Bert was a former Auburn school bus driver (Bus No. 1) and a custodian for the local National Guard/Army Reserve Armory, before civilian retirement. As well, he was a dedicated American Legionnaire, previously as a five-time commander of Post 31, Auburn, presently a member with Post 153, New Auburn.

He is survived by his wife, Doris Chasse (Michaud) of Lewiston, whom he married on March 1, 1975; his son, Wayne of Denmark, Wis.; stepdaughters and husbands, Pam and Roger Fortier of Sabattus and Cindy and Bill Hartwell of Topsham; grandchildren, Hannah Galarneau of Wisconsin, Jill Boulanger of Sabattus and Craig Fortier of Florida.

He was predeceased by a sister, Cecile Goulet in 1989; and a brother, Ludger Galarneau in 2005.