Chester Raymond Peterson
Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army

On 5 January 1942, Technical Sergeant Chester Raymond Peterson was serving with an unspecified Corps of Engineer unit of the U.S. Army in the Far East Theater.

On that day, TSGT Peterson’s unit was in action against Japanese forces in the Philippine Islands. TSGT Peterson’s courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Reportedly, TSGT Peterson was captured by the Japanese following the attack at Pearl Harbor and held as a POW. He died on 25 August 1943.

Medals and Awards

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
Prisoner of War Medal
Army Good Conduct Medal
American Defense Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Bronze Star
World War II Victory Medal

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

Technical Sergeant Chester R. Peterson (ASN: 6741222), United States Army, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with U.S. Army Engineers, in action against enemy forces on 5 January 1942, in the Philippine Islands. Technical Sergeant Peterson's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Burial

Technical Sergeant Chester Raymond Peterson is buried at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Manila, Capital District, National Capital Region, Philippines in Plot A, Row 3, Grave 47.