Route 151 in Moodus Now Named After Local WWII Hero

Before going off to serve his country in World War II, Peter P. Golect walked a stretch of Route 151 in Moodus every day of his life.

Now, that stretch of highway will bear his name: "Private First Class Peter P. Golec Memorial Highway."

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy signed into law this month a bill that renames this particular stretch of Route 151 in honor of this local hero.

The new law, co-sponsored by East Haddam state Rep. Melissa Ziobron and state Sen. Art Linares, goes into effect immediately. 

Golec, who was born and raised in this East Haddam village, entered the military six months before the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 and later survived the landing on the Utah Beach in Normandy in 1944. 

He was killed in action on the German border on Nov. 28, 1944.

“The ‘Private First Class Peter P. Golec Memorial Highway’ is a fitting tribute to a member of ‘The Greatest Generation’ who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and the freedoms we so dearly cherish,” Linares said.

“PFC Golec will now be remembered for his ultimate sacrifice,” Ziobron said. “This tremendous honor will enable this hero’s sacrifice to live on. It will shine as a light for those who do not know of PFC Golec or his contribution to our great country.”

Golec was a decorated soldier who earned a number of accolades, including the prestigious Combat Infantry Badge and two Purple Hearts. He was the son of Polish immigrants.

Read more about Golec's history on Rep. Ziobron's website.

The route of the Memorial Highway to be renamed in Golec’s honor runs along the same street he walked and where the family homestead still stands today — it bisects the end of Neptune Avenue, where the Baron-Smith-Golec Post 156 American Legion is located.

Ziobron represents the 34th House District – East Haddam, East Hampton and a section of Colchester.

Linares represents the 33rd Senate Distict – Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Lyme, Old Saybrook, Portland, and Westbrook.

Read a full statement on the law here from Sen. Linares.