the fall and the dangerous Channel waters. In January 1944, Peterson was reassigned to VIII Fighter Command as a staff officer and then to a subordinate unit of VIII Fighter Command, the 65th Fighter Wing, until returning to the United States at the end of 1944. During his time overseas, Colonel Peterson flew a total of 130 missions and was credited with nine aerial victories and nine probables. After attending Command and General Staff School at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Peterson was assigned as the commander of Dale Mabry Field, Tallahassee, Florida in March 1945. His next assignment was as chief, Air Attache Branch, Headquarters Army Air Forces, Washington, D.C., beginning in August, 1945. Post-war Air Force career After the war, Colonel Peterson had a variety of assignments including command and staff assignments. Despite not participating directly in either the Korean or Vietnam wars, he was assigned overseas as the commander of flying units in France and Japan during both wars. Peterson was promoted to major general in 1965. His last assignment on active duty began on April 1, 1967, as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Staff, Commander in Chief, Pacific. Peterson retired July 31, 1970. He died on January 28, 1990, in Riverside, California and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery. References External links Veteran Tribute 4th Fighter Group Association World War II 1920 births 1990 deaths American Royal Air Force pilots of World War II American World War II flying aces Aviators from Idaho Burials at Riverside National Cemetery People from Salmon, Idaho Recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross (United States) Recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross (United States) Recipients of the Legion of Merit Recipients of the Air Medal United States Air Force generals United States Army Air Forces officers United States Army Air Forces pilots of World War II United States Army Command and General Staff College alumni