Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Commander

Unit:

Naval Combat Demolition Group 125.2.3, U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

March 8th, 1945

"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer, Naval Combat Demolition Group 125.2.3 during the amphibious assault on the Normandy Coast of France on 6 June 1944. Lieutenant Commander Peterson was in command of eleven United States Navy Combat Demolitions Units, which landed on the beaches at 0630 hours, four hundred yards in the rear of the initial assault wave of infantry. His command was charged with the mission of clearing the underwater mines and obstacles from the beach assigned, which was two thousand yards long and four hundred yards wide at low tide, backed by a twelve-foot concrete wall surmounted by fifteen to twenty-five foot sand dunes. The beach was littered with steel, concrete, barbed wire and wooden obstacles interspersed with mines. Lieutenant Commander Peterson landed with the units and personally directed their work. Not only did the units perform their work rapidly and efficiently under his example and leadership, but the mission was accomplished with a minimum of casualties to themselves and to other personnel nearby. The personal example, high courage and effective leadership of Lieutenant Commander Peterson on this occasion were a most material contribution to the success of the operation and reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service."

Commander 12th Fleet: Serial 2858