Chesley G. Peterson
Chesley G. Peterson | |
|---|---|
Major General Chesley G. Peterson | |
| Birth name | Chesley Gordon Peterson |
| Nickname | Pete |
| Born | August 10, 1920 Salmon, Idaho, U.S. |
| Died | January 28, 1990 (aged 69) Riverside, California, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom United States |
| Branch | Royal Air Force United States Army Air Forces United States Air Force |
| Service years | 1937–1939 1940–1970 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Commands | 8th Tactical Fighter Wing 48th Fighter Bomber Wing 137th Fighter Bomber Group 4th Fighter Group No. 71 Squadron RAF |
| Conflicts | World War II |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Cross Legion of Merit (2) Purple Heart Air Medal (3) Distinguished Service Order (United Kingdom) Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom) Legion of Honor (France) |
Major General Chesley G. Peterson (August 10, 1920 – January 28, 1990) was a career officer in the United States Air Force, and a flying ace of the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) in World War II. As a fighter pilot in the European theater, he is best known for his time as the commander of the famous 4th Fighter Group during 1942–1943. At 23, he was the youngest colonel in the USAAF.