Richard A. Peterson (aviator)
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]
Richard Allen Peterson | |
|---|---|
 Major Richard A Peterson of the 357th Fighter Group | |
| Nickname(s) | Pete, Bud |
| Born | February 26, 1923 Hancock, Minnesota |
| Died | June 4, 2000 (aged 77) |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ | United States Army Air Forces |
| Years of service | 1942–1945 |
| Rank | Major |
| Service number | O-739334 |
| Unit | 357th Fighter Group |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Silver Star Distinguished Flying Cross (3) Air Medal (13) Croix de Guerre (French) |
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
- William Hess. America's Top Eighth Air Force Aces in Their Own Words. Zenith Imprint. pp. 143–. ISBN 978-1-61060-702-5.
- Chris Bucholtz (20 December 2012). Mustang Aces of the 357th Fighter Group. Bloomsbury Publishing. pp. 37–. ISBN 978-1-78200-872-9.
- Martin W. Bowman (2006). Echoes of England: The 8th Air Force in World War Two. Tempus. ISBN 978-0-7524-3738-5.
- Jerry Scutts (20 November 2012). Mustang Aces of the Eighth Air Force. Bloomsbury Publishing. pp. 174–. ISBN 978-1-78200-675-6.
External links
- "Richard A. "Bud" Peterson 1923 - 2000". Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame. Retrieved 2018-06-27.
- "Richard A Peterson". American Air Museum in Britain. Retrieved 2018-06-27.
