Major General Peter G. Olenchuk was born on 14 July 1922. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943, serving in North Africa and the Far East. He accepted an Army commission in 1945 and continued service in the Chemical Corps.

Major General Olenchuk played a key role in herbicide defoliant operations in Vietnam. Promoted to Major General in 1973, he served as the Army’s Director of Material Acquisition. In 1974, he became the Senior Serving Chemical Officer, a position he held until his retirement in 1975.

Major General Olenchuk’s decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal and the Legion of Merit with three Oak Leaf Clusters.

Major General Peter G. Olenchuk died at his home in Maine on 6 October 2000.