Joseph R. L. Duplechain

Joseph R.L. "Dup" Duplechain died Monday, December 2nd at 5:25 a.m. at the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home in Jennings, Louisiana. Joseph R.L. Duplechain was born in Church Point, Louisiana on August 9, 1936. He and his family later moved to Lake Charles where he attended school and graduated from Washington High School in 1955. Following high school, he attended McNeese State University for two years before enlisting in the United States Army in June of 1957. He attended Basic Training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas and served as a Medical Specialist in the Army for 21 years and retired with the rank of Master Sergeant. He completed six tours in the continental United States and five overseas locations which included two combat tours in Vietnam and three tours in Germany. Among his many awards and decorations is his award of the Bronze Star Medal with Valor for heroism in connection to military operations against a hostile force. His citation states: "During the ensuing battle, Sergeant Duplechain, without regard for his personal safety, repeatedly exposed himself to intense enemy fire in order to treat wounded personnel. During the attack, he personally directed medical evacuation helicopters into the emergency evacuation helipad and supervised the evacuation and loading of 172 wounded personnel." In addition to the Bronze Star Medal, Master Sergeant Duplechain was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Award), the Army Commendation Medal (2nd Award), the Army Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), the National Defense Service Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal, the Vietnam Cross for Gallantry with Bronze Star, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Combat Medic Badge, and the Meritorious Unit Emblem. He was honorably retired from the United States Army at Fort Polk, Louisiana on April 30, 1979. Following his retirement from the U. S. Army, Joseph Duplechain worked as an Operator at CITGO Refinery until he retired 1999. After his retirement, he traveled around the country with his wife enjoying life. He enjoyed playing poker, fishing, tending to his fig trees, and having good times with his many friends and family. He is survived by his wife, Lois and their three sons Roderic, Bryan, and Michael. He was the adoring grandfather of five grandchildren. He is also survived by his three sisters Mary Duplechain, Betty Wilson, and Jacqueline Anderson, his sister-in-law Audrey Duplechain and a host of nieces and nephews. Viewing for Joseph Duplechain will occur at the Johnson Funeral Home on Saturday, December 7th from 10:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church at 2 p.m. and he will be interred at the Sacred Heart Cemetery immediately following the funeral.