George Peterson

George Peterson (May 18, 1912 – March 30, 1945) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II.

Biography George Peterson was born in Brooklyn, New York on May 28, 1912. He joined the Army from his birthplace in July 1933, and by March 30, 1945, was serving as a staff sergeant in Company K, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. During a battle on that day, near Eisern, Germany, Peterson was severely wounded but continued in the fight and single-handedly destroyed three German machinegun nests before receiving another, fatal, wound. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor seven months later, on October 17, 1945.

Awards and decorations alt=A metal device depicting a blue bar with a rifle, in front of a wreath of silver leaves.