Douglas Eugene Peterson

Specialist Four
D CO, 1ST BN, 505TH INF RGT, 82 ABN DIV
Army of the United States
18 May 1949 - 09 March 1975
Fairfield, Iowa
Panel 16W Line 095

82 ABN DIV

505TH INF RGT
Combat Infantry

Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign

The database page for Douglas Eugene Peterson

12 Dec 2003

As the holidays come closer and the family gathers an empty spot is in our hearts. Doug would be surprised to see the children of his little sister. One is already married, one in college, and one about the same age as his mother when Doug passed away. Pictures of Doug are in every room of his parents house as a memorial to their lost son.

As many families of the Viet Nam soliders we reflect on past times and wish things would be so different. How we all wish that Doug could be part of a holiday celebration and how we yearn to hear his hearty laugh.

As we all grow older and new generations are born, as a family we will not forget. Our prayers and thoughts are with all the families that experience the empty seat during family functions. And we pray for the families that are now experiencing this loss.

We will remember you, Doug, and will honor your memory.

From his family.
E-mail address is not available.

Peterson Is Evacuated

      Sp. 4 Douglas E. Peterson, severely wounded October 1 in fighting in the Vietnam War, has been evacuated to Camp Drake, a U.S. hospital installation in Japan.
      Word of the evacuation came as good news to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Peterson, 604 S. Fourth St., indicating his condition had improved enough to permit him to be moved.
      Peterson, 20, suffered wounds in his lungs, spleen, and spine from enemy small arms fire. He was listed in very serious condition for several days.
      In a telegram received by the Petersons late this morning, it was stated that Peterson had arrived at the 249th Hospital in Japan. His condition is now listed as seriously ill rather than very seriously ill. The prognosis is fair. However, his condition is of such severity that there is cause for concern but no imminent danger to life.
      His address is: Medical Holding Company, 249th General Hospital; APO San Francisco, Calif. 96267.
      Mr. and Mrs. Peterson also received by mail Thursday two medals with accompanying citations awarded to their son.
      They were the Purple Heart Medal for wounds received on Oct. 1 and the Army Commendation Medal with "V" device for heroism in ground combat on July 12.
     
The Commendation Medal citation read in part: "Pfc. Peterson distinguished himself by heroism on 12 July, 1969, in connection with military operations against a hostile force while serving as a rifleman in ambush patrol [sic] in which Pfc. Peterson was a member, an enemy force of unknown size was taken under fire. As soon as he commenced fire, the enemy retaliated with intense AK-47 automatic rifle fire from a range of 15 to 20 meters. Pfc. Peterson kept up a heavy volume of fire dispite the intense hostile fire directed at his position and silenced the enemy. A search of the contact area revealed the body of one North Vietnamese soldier and valuable documents. Through his outstanding courage, Pfc. Peterson was most instrumental in the success of the mission."


Sp. 4 Douglas E. Peterson

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
HEADQUARTERS 3D BRIGADE 82D AIRBORNE DIVISION
APO San Francisco 96228

29 August 1969

GENERAL ORDERS
NUMBER 1395

AWARD OF THE ARMY COMMENDATION MEDAL WITH "V" DEVICE

1. TC 320. The following AWARD is announced.

PETERSON, DOUGLAS E 485 62 5861 PFC, Co D 1/505th Inf

Awarded: The Army Commendation Medal with "V" Device
Date action: 12 July 1969
Theater: Republic of Vietnam
Reason: For heroism in ground combat in the Republic of Vietnam on 12 July 1969.
Private First Class Peterson distinguished himself by heroism on 12 July 1969, in connection with military operations against a hostile force while serving as a rifleman in Long An Province, Republic of Vietnam. During an ambush patrol in which Private First Class Peterson was a member, an enemy force of unknown size was taken under fire. As soon as he commenced fire the enemy retaliated with intense AK-47 automatic rifle fire from a range of 15 to 20 meters. Private First Class Peterson kept up a heavy volume of fire despite the intense hostile fire directed at his position and silenced the enemy. A search of the contact area revealed the body of one North Vietnamese soldier and valuable documents. Through his outstanding courage, Private First Class Peterson was most instrumental in the success of the mission. Private First Class Peterson's personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Authority: By direction of the Secretary of the Army under the provisions of AR 672-5-1.

FOR THE COMMANDER:



JAMES E FRITZ
Major, AGC
Adjutant General
OFFICIAL:

GEORGE E MONAHAN
WO1, USA
Asst AG

A Note from The Virtual Wall

Specialist 4 Douglas E. Peterson was wounded in action on 01 October 1969 and died as a result of those wounds on 09 March 1975. He is the son of Darrell E. and Fayelda M. Peterson; his sisters are Julia Ann and Karen Sue Peterson.

During the early part of July 2005, researchers from the volunteer team developing the Coffelt Database visited the National Archives. During this visit, 40 of 260 boxes containing USARV casualty messages were searched - and one of the messages identified SP4 Peterson's unit: Company D, 1st Bn, 505th Infantry.

Mrs. Glueck confirmed the unit assignment when on 01 Oct 2005 she sent SP4 Peterson's Citation for the Army Commendation Medal.





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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Last updated 08/10/2009