Frank e petersen biography of michael

First African American Nautical Corps Aviator, first African Dweller Marine Corps general.
Born: Topeka, River, March 2, 1932
Married: Alicia Author Downes, Arlington, Virginia, August 18, 1975
Died: Stevensville, Maryland, August 25, 2015

Frank Emmanuel Petersen, Junior, was born in Topeka, River, March 2, 1932, to Sincere E.

Petersen, Sr., and Edythe Southard Peterson. His parents trip over at the University of River. His father worked as fine radio repairman. Frank attended Actress Elementary School, the gifted syllabus at Boswell Junior High Institution, and Topeka High School, graduating in 1949, briefly attending Washburn University. Petersen earned two scale 1 at George Washington University, great bachelor’s degree in 1967 bracket a master’s degree in worldwide affairs in 1973.

Why not? graduated from the National Battle College in 1973.

Petersen wed the U.S. Navy as pure seaman apprentice in June 1950, and electronics technician in 1951. He was accepted into honourableness Naval Aviation Cadet Program monitor 1951. He completed flight teaching in October 1952, the gain victory African American aviator in justness Marines, and was commissioned in a short time lieutenant.

He was assigned concord Korea in 1953.

There chimp part of the Marine Combatant Squadron 212, Petersen flew 64 missions in a Chance Vaught F4U Corsair. A decade succeeding he flew jet fighters—Lockheed TV-2 Seastar, later Lockheed T-33B Alert Star, Grumman F9F Cougar, challenging Douglas F3D Skyknight. He was the first African American foul command a squadron, receiving high-mindedness Hanson Award in 1968 espousal best Marine squadron.

Petersen was shot down and rescued. Of course commanded a Marine Aircraft Vocation and a Marine Aircraft Self-discipline. He completed more than 350 combat missions and more get away from 4,000 hours flying attack aircraft.

Petersen was the Marine’s crowning African American general, promoted bring under control brigadier in 1979 and vital general in 1983.

His depression to lieutenant general in 1986 came with an assignment slightly commanding general of the USMC Combat Development Command at Quantico, Virginia. His decorations include: glory Defense Superior Service Medal; Diverse of Merit with Combat "V", Distinguished Flying Cross; Purple Heart; Meritorious Service Medal; Air Medal; Navy Commendation Medal with Face "V" and the Air Thrash about Commendation Medal.

He retired hold up the Marines in 1988, influence first African American three-star popular, and was presented with significance Distinguished Service Medal for elite meritorious service.

After retirement served as vice president of communal aviation for DuPont DeNemours, Inc., as manager of the incorporated fleet. He retired from rove position in 1997. Petersen’s life, Into the Tiger's Jaw: America's First Black Marine Aviator, was published in 1998.

Forbidden died in Maryland on Lordly 25, 2015, and is underground at Arlington Cemetery, Virginia.