Peterson, Chesley Gordon

Date of birth:: August 10th, 1920 (Salmon/Idaho, United States)
Date of death:: January 28th, 1990 (Riverside/California, United States)
Service number:: RAF: 83706 USA: 0-885114
Nationality:: American

Biography

The only American fighter pilot to win both the United States Distinguished Service Cross and Britain's Distinguished Service Order.

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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Acting Flight Lieutenant
Unit:: No. 71 (Eagle) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: October 17th, 1941

"This American pilot has led his flight with initiative and determination during the past 3 months. He has participated in 42 operational sorties and has destroyed 2, probably destroyed a further 2 and damaged 1 hostile aircraft. His coolness and courage have set an excellent example."

Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Acting Squadron Leader
Unit:: No. 71 (Eagle) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: September 11th, 1942
Awarded for:: Operation Jubilee

“This officer has completed a large number of sorties over enemy-occupied territory. He has at all times displayed high qualities of leadership and courage which have contributed materially to the fine fighting efficiency of his squadron. During the operations over Dieppe, Squadron Leader Peterson destroyed a Junkers 88, bringing his victories to 6. His devotion to duty has been outstanding.”

Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant Colonel
Unit:: 4th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force
Awarded on:: July 2nd, 1943

"The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Chesley Gordon Peterson (ASN: 0-885114), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane and Commanding Officer of the 4th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces in May 1943. While leading a formation in escort of bombardment aircraft and after his wing man had dropped behind due to motor trouble, Colonel Peterson sighted eight enemy airplanes about to attack the bomber formation. With utter disregard for his personal safety and without assistance he immediately engaged the eight enemy aircraft, probably destroying one and damaging another. The vigor and fearlessness of his attack completely disrupted the enemy formation and routed the enemy attack, thereby contributing largely to the safety of the bomber aircraft and the successful completion of their mission."

Headquarters, European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 39

Legion of Merit - US Military

Period:: Vietnam War (1955-1975)
Rank:: Major General

"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Peterson his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force."

Legion of Merit - US Military

Period:: Vietnam War (1955-1975)
Rank:: Major General
Unit:: Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Commander in Chief Pacific, U.S. Air Force

"Major General Chesley Gordon Peterson (ASN: 0-885114), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States, culminating as Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Staff, Commander in Chief, Pacific, from April 1967 to July 1970. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Peterson culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions in the Service of his Country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force."

Second LoM received as Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster