Staff Sgt. Richard Peterson

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“Local Airman Dies in Action” Sgt. Donald Peterson was Gunner, one of three brothers serving in the army. His father Axel Peterson, 733 North Madison, sometime in April, the 21-year-old radio gunner on a B-17 Liberator plane was killed in action over Germany according to a telegram received by his wife, Mrs. Adeline Peterson, who makes her home in New Baden, Ill.  Overseas since Feb 1944, the young airman had gone on his third mission when the tragedy occurred. While a student at Loves Park school, where all 3 Peterson brothers went, Donald was active on the basketball team. He worked at the Swedish-American Hospital as a Maintenance Man at the time of his induction in 1942. He is the father of a one-year old daughter, Donna. His brothers are Staff Sgt. Arvid Peterson and Staff Sgt. Richard Peterson.

Source: Rockford Register Republic 9/30/1944