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Petersen, Vernon R.

Date of birth:
May 18th, 1924 (Minneapolis/Minnesota, United States)
Date of death:
April 17th, 1945 (Italy)
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

Vernon R. Peterson, was born on 18th May 1924. After attending Primary Schools (Penn, Jordan and Patrick Henry Schools) and Highschool in Minneapolis het studied for one year at the Minnesota University. He enlisted to the Army Air Corps on 28th February 1943.
After his primary military training at the Jefferson Barracks in Missouri, he followed the cadet training at the Michigan State College in East Lansing, Michigan. In June 1944 he received his wings and was send to Europe on 7th January 1945. He flew in the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt during the Italian campaign. During his 44th mission on 17th April 1945 he was shot down and killed.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
2nd Lieutenant
Awarded on:
June 1944
Pilot Wing
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
2nd Lieutenant
Unit:
66th Fighter Squadron, 57th Fighter Group, U.S. Army Air Forces
Awarded on:
April 20th, 1945
Citation:
"For meritious achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a P-47 type aircraft in an attack against the railroad fill at San Ambrogio, Italy on 19th March 1945."
Air Medal (AM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
2nd Lieutenant
Unit:
66th Fighter Squadron, 57th Fighter Group, U.S. Army Air Forces
Awarded on:
May 4th, 1945
Air Medal (AM)
Citation:
"For meritious achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a P-47 type aircraft in an attack on the headquarters of an enemy paratroop division on 10 April 1945. His proficiency in combat and selfless devotion to duty have reflected great credit upon himself and the military service of the United States."

This award was obtained in the form of an Oak Leave to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
2nd Lieutenant
Awarded on:
June 30th, 1945
Purple Heart

Sources

  • Photo 1: Us Air Force
  • - Citation/documents Air Medal (2), Purple Heart
    - Memories-of.com

Photo