Frank E. Petersen facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Frank E. Petersen Jr.
Born	(1932-03-02)March 2, 1932 Topeka, Kansas
Died	August 25, 2015(2015-08-25) (aged 83) Stevensville, Maryland
Place of burial	Arlington National Cemetery
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Navy  United States Marine Corps
Years of service	1950-1952 (USN), 1952-1988 (USMC)
Rank	Lieutenant general
Commands held	1st Marine Aircraft Wing VMFA-212 VMFA-314
Battles/wars	Korean War Vietnam War
Awards	Distinguished Service Medal Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit with Combat "V" Distinguished Flying Cross Purple Heart Medal
Other work	DuPont DeNemours Inc., VP of Corporate Aviation National Marrow Donor Program, Chairman

Frank Emmanuel Petersen Jr. (March 2, 1932 – August 25, 2015) was a very important leader in the United States Marine Corps. He made history as the first African-American Marine Corps pilot. He was also the first African-American to become a general in the Marine Corps.

General Petersen retired from the Marine Corps in 1988. He served his country for 38 years. When he retired, he was the longest-serving pilot in both the U.S. Marine Corps and the United States Navy. He was known as the 'Silver Hawk' in the Marines and the 'Gray Eagle' in the Navy. These titles are given to the most senior active pilots.

In 2010, President Barack Obama chose General Petersen to join the Board of Visitors for the United States Naval Academy. This board helps guide the Naval Academy.

A Military Career of Firsts

Frank Petersen joined the U.S. Navy in June 1950. He started as a seaman apprentice, learning to be an electronics technician. When he took the Navy's entrance exam, he scored very high. A recruiter suggested he become a "steward," which was a common role for African-Americans at the time.

However, Petersen had a different goal. He was inspired by Jesse L. Brown, the Navy's first black pilot, who had recently died in the Korean War. Petersen decided he wanted to be a combat pilot.

Becoming a Pilot

In 1951, he joined the Naval Aviation Cadet Program. This program trained young people to become pilots. In October 1952, he finished his flight training. He then became a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps.

Petersen flew combat missions in two major wars. He served in the Korean War in 1953. Later, he served in the Vietnam War in 1968. His first combat flying job was with a group called VMFA-212 during the Korean War.

He flew over 350 combat missions. He spent more than 4,000 hours flying different types of fighter jets.

Leading the Way

General Petersen held many important leadership jobs in Marine Corps aviation. He commanded a Marine Fighter Squadron, which is a group of fighter planes. He also led a Marine Aircraft Group and a Marine Aircraft Wing, which are even larger groups of aircraft.

He was the first African-American to command a fighter squadron (VMFA-314). He also became the first African-American to lead a fighter air group, an air wing, and a major military base.

While serving, Petersen continued his education. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in social science in 1967 from George Washington University. In 1973, he received a Master of Arts degree in international relations from the same university. That same year, he also graduated from the National War College.

Rising Through the Ranks

On February 23, 1979, Frank Petersen was promoted to brigadier general. This made him the first African-American general in the Marine Corps. In May 1983, he became a major general. Then, on June 12, 1986, he was promoted to lieutenant general.

General Petersen retired from the Marine Corps on August 1, 1988. At his retirement, he received the Distinguished Service Medal. This award recognized his excellent service as the Commanding General of the Marine Corps Combat Development Command.

A Ship Named in His Honor

On November 9, 2016, the Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, announced something special. A new Arleigh Burke-class destroyer ship would be named after Frank E. Petersen Jr.

On February 21, 2017, the first part of the ship, called the keel, was laid. This happened at a shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi. The ship, named USS Frank E. Petersen Jr., was designed to have advanced combat systems. These systems help the ship react quickly and defend against air and missile attacks. The ship was officially put into service on May 14, 2022, in Charleston, South Carolina.

Later Life and Legacy

Frank Petersen passed away at his home in Stevensville, Maryland, on August 25, 2015. He died from lung cancer. He left behind his wife, Alicia Petersen, and his children: Gayle, Frank, Dana Moore, Lyndsay Pulliam, and Monique.

In 1998, General Petersen wrote a book about his life with J Alfred Phelps. It was called Into the Tigers Jaw. His life story continues to inspire many people.

Military Awards and Honors

General Petersen received many awards for his bravery and service. These are some of his military decorations and awards:

See Also

• List of African-American firsts
• Jesse L. Brown, first African-American U.S. Navy aviator