Richard A. Peterson (aviator)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Richard Allen Peterson
Major Richard A "Pete" Peterson of the 357th Fighter Group
Major Richard A Peterson of the 357th Fighter Group
Nickname(s)Pete, Bud
Born(1923-02-26)February 26, 1923
Hancock, Minnesota
DiedJune 4, 2000(2000-06-04) (aged 77)
AllegianceUnited States
Service/branchUnited States Army Air Forces
Years of service1942–1945
RankMajor
Service numberO-739334
Unit357th Fighter Group
Battles/warsWorld War II
AwardsSilver Star
Distinguished Flying Cross (3)
Air Medal (13)
Croix de Guerre (French)

Richard Allen Peterson (February 26, 1923 – June 4, 2000) was a fighter ace and a major in the United States Army Air Forces.[1][2][3]

Early life and education[]

Peterson was born in Hancock, Minnesota and attended the University of Minnesota.[1] He left the university in June 1942 to become an aviation cadet.

World War 2[]

After finishing flight training in March 1943, Peterson was assigned to the 357th Fighter Group and had 15.5 air victories and destroyed 3.5 aircraft on the ground.[4] His P-51 Mustang aircraft were named Hurry Home Honey after his wife's letter closing.[2]

Post war[]

After World War II, Peterson returned to the University of Minnesota and obtained a degree in Architecture which became his career.[1]

Awards and decorations[]

Peterson was awarded the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross with 3 oak leaf clusters, and Air Medal with 10 oak leaf clusters.[1]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ a b c d William Hess. America's Top Eighth Air Force Aces in Their Own Words. Zenith Imprint. pp. 143–. ISBN 978-1-61060-702-5.
  2. ^ a b Chris Bucholtz (20 December 2012). Mustang Aces of the 357th Fighter Group. Bloomsbury Publishing. pp. 37–. ISBN 978-1-78200-872-9.
  3. ^ Martin W. Bowman (2006). Echoes of England: The 8th Air Force in World War Two. Tempus. ISBN 978-0-7524-3738-5.
  4. ^ Jerry Scutts (20 November 2012). Mustang Aces of the Eighth Air Force. Bloomsbury Publishing. pp. 174–. ISBN 978-1-78200-675-6.

External links[]

Retrieved from ""