Missing information?
Do you have any additional information you would like to share about a soldier?
Submit- Full
name
PETERSON, Richard - Date of
birth
18 June 1924 -
Age
20 - Place of
birth
Winnebago County, Wisconsin -
Hometown
Oshkosh, Winnebago County, Wisconsin
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
O-830527 -
Rank
Second Lieutenant -
Function
Pilot -
Unit
353rd Fighter Squadron,
354th Fighter Group
-
Awards
Purple Heart,
Air Medal
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
23 February 1945 - Place of
death
Near Kirn, Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Lorraine
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| K | 13 | 24 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Hans Peterson (father)
Esther (Tank) Peterson (mother)
Kenneth C. Peterson (brother)
Donald L. Peterson (brother)
Hans Peterson Jr. (brother)
Plane data
- Serial
number
44-63786 -
Data
Type: P-51D-20
Destination: Kirn, Germany
Mission: Not available
MACR: 12635
More information
2nd Lt Richard Peterson graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1942.He joined the Army Air Corps on 18 November 1942 and received training in Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Virginia, and Delaware, receiving his wings at Napier Field, Alabama. He was sent overseas in October 1944.
Statement from Maj Glenn T. Eagleston:
"Lt Peterson was flying Red 2 position on a dive bombing mission 23 February 1945. Red leader found target and proceeded to bomb. Started bombing run from 10,000 feet. Estimate at 8,000 feet, Lt Peterson’s ship appeared to explode and disintegrate. The pilot could not have been exceeding the dive limitations, and no flak was seen."
Source of information: Peter Schouteten, Terry Hirsch, www.abmc.gov, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.ancestry.com - Headstone and Interment Record, www.fold3.com - MACR, www.newspapers.com, WWII Draft Registration Card
Photo source: Arie-Jan van Hees- Heroes of the 354th