Peterson, Dale W.

Date of birth:: November 18th, 1919 (St. Joseph/Missouri, United States)
Date of death:: May 9th, 1943
Mentioned on:: American Cemetery and Memorial Manila
Service number:: 0-085948
Nationality:: American

Biography

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Navy Cross

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Ensign
Unit:: Fighting Squadron 3 (VF-3), U.S.S. Lexington (CV-2), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:: August 1943

"For extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron THREE (VF3), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy forces in the Pacific War Area when his ship was attacked by eighteen Japanese bombing planes on 20 February 1942. In the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, Ensign Peterson intercepted a formation of nine enemy aircraft and succeeded in shooting down one twin-engine bomber and aided in shooting down another. Ensign Peterson's outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 317 (posthumously awarded)