Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Chesley
Gordon
Peterson
August 10, 1920

–

January 28, 1990

Cemetery:

Riverside National Cemetery

In 1940 Chesley Peterson joined the Royal Air Force’s Eagle Squadron, a group of foreign volunteers, and is commonly credited with destruction of 9 enemy aircraft in aerial combat while flying with the RAAF. Flying Hawker Hurricanes and Supermarine Spitfires in battles with the Luftwaffe, he advanced to colonel at the age of 23. He was credited with destroying one enemy aircraft in aerial combat while serving with the U.S. Army Air Forces, and was the only American fighter pilot to win both the United States Distinguished Service Cross and Britain’s Distinguished Service Order. He retired in 1970 as a U.S. Air Force Major General.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    4th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    May 1943
    Headquarters, European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 39 (July 2, 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.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Chesley Gordon Peterson (ASN: 0-885114), United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit 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

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    April 1967 – July 1970

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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.