St. Martinville – Command Sergeant Major Oswald Joseph Broussard, a dedicated soldier and esteemed leader, passed away on January 31, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. Born on September 25, 1929, Oswald lived a life of service, sacrifice, and leadership, leaving behind a legacy of courage, honor, and commitment to both his country and his community.
A Chapel service by the Honor Guard of The Arnaudville VFW will begin at 10:40 a.m. prior to funeral services. Funeral services celebrating Mr. Oswald’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 6, 2025 at Evangeline Funeral Home of St. Martinville with Deacon Dennis Landry officiating. Following services, Mr. Broussard will be laid to rest at St. Michael Mausoleum with full military honors rendered by Fort Johnson Funeral Honors Team.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at Evangeline Funeral Home on Wednesday from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m., with the recitation of the Rosary at 6:30 p.m. Visiting hours will resume on Thursday from 7 a.m. until time of services.
Oswald is survived by his children, who carry on his legacy of strength and love: daughter Hazel Standridge (Jack), daughter Regina Maraist (Charles), son Larry Broussard (Dawn), daughter Melinda Bernard (Jay), daughter Shari Babin (Darren), daughter Lori Solarie (Ronald), and son-in-law Troy Simoneaux. He was also a proud grandfather to 22 grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, and devoted companion, Mari Cosper, who will carry forth the wisdom, love, and strength he imparted upon them.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Louise Faught Broussard; daughter, Renee Simoneaux; son-in-law, Paul Standridge; parents, Reniel and Denise Broussard; brothers, Harold, Mayo, and Nolan Broussard; sister, Loulabelle Tauzin; twin sister, Hazel Broussard; and great-great-granddaughter, Lucy Standridge.
Oswald Joseph Broussard enlisted in the U.S. Army in June 1948, beginning a remarkable 20-year military career that spanned major global conflicts, including the Korean War. He completed basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, in an accelerated program due to Cold War tensions. His first overseas assignment was with the 1st Infantry Division in Germany (July 1948 – December 1950) before being deployed to Korea with the 3rd Infantry Division, 7th Infantry Regiment, Regimental Combat Team (1950-1951). During his service in Korea, he was wounded in combat on June 10, 1951, spending two months in recovery before continuing his distinguished career.
His assignments included service in the 101st Airborne Division at Camp Breckinridge, Kentucky, and deployments to Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, and Fort Knox, Kentucky. He later became an instructor in Ranger and Jungle Warfare Training with the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii (1955-1958) and served as a platoon sergeant in Company C of the 27th Infantry Regiment.
From 1958 to 1965, he trained future military officers as an ROTC instructor at LSU, shaping the next generation of Army leaders. He later returned to Korea as Command Sergeant Major of the U.S. Sector of the Demilitarized Zone (2nd Infantry Division) before finishing his career as Command Sergeant Major of Army Aviation Troops at Fort Rucker, Alabama. He retired from the U.S. Army on September 1, 1968, at the highest enlisted rank, having earned numerous awards for his combat bravery, leadership, and contributions to military education.
After retiring from the military, Oswald remained committed to public service and leadership. He served as Deputy of St. Martin Parish and later as a Justice of the Peace. He continued his education at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL) while working as a Civil Engineer for Bauer Texas Gas. He actively engaged in his community and served on the Board of Directors for Teche Electric Cooperative and Louisiana Electric Cooperative. Never one to slow down, he continued working until his final retirement at age 84. Outside of his professional endeavors, he found joy in dancing and was a regular at Pat’s Atchafalaya Club in Henderson, where he enjoyed music and good company.
Throughout his life, Oswald was recognized with numerous military honors, including the Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB), Expert Infantryman Badge (EIB), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal for Korea, and Republic of Korea War Service Medal, awarded by South Korea. His post-World War II occupation duties in Germany and Japan were recognized with the Army of Occupation Medal. A highly skilled marksman, he received Expert Rifle, Pistol, and Carbine Marksmanship Badges. His distinguished career also included service with the 101st Airborne Division, the 27th Infantry Division, and mentoring future officers as an LSU ROTC instructor.
Oswald’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication, sacrifice, and love—for his country, family, and community. His medals and accolades serve as a testament to his lifelong commitment to duty, but his greatest honor was the love and respect of those who knew him.
Pallbearers: grandsons, TJ Bernard; Charlie Maraist; Clay Maraist; Joshua Verret; Troy Simoneaux Jr., and Jy Babin. Honorary pallbearers include grandsons Steven Standridge and Bryson Solarie.
May he rest in eternal peace, forever in the hearts of his family, his fellow soldiers, and all who were privileged to know him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to a charity supporting veterans, locally the Arnaudville VFW Post 5153, 1261 Courtableau Hwy., Arnaudville, LA 70512.
Relatives and friends are encouraged to share their memories and condolences with the family by visiting Oswald’s memorial at www.evangelinestmartin.com.
Evangeline Funeral Home of St. Martinville is in charge of arrangements.
(Pd.Adv.)
