Beloved son shot down one week after his 24th birthday
LT Junior Grade Albert Leonidas Peterson
LTJG Peterson was born March 17, 1920, in Jacksonville, FL. On March 24, 1944, while serving with Naval Bombing Squadron (VB) 305, he was killed in a crash on Bougainville in the Solomon Islands. His aircraft was observed to be streaming fuel as he approached his target. He attempted to land at the Torokina fighter strip, but when he saw it was impossible, he bailed out of his plane at 100 feet. His parachute did not open.
He was survived by his mother, Marguerita Peterson, of Atlanta, and his father, Charles A. Peterson of Jacksonville.
Mrs. Peterson wrote this letter to the Department of the Navy, requesting the return of her son’s remains after he was killed during a bombing raid:
Atlanta, GA (date uncertain, appears to be 9-9-44)
Navy Department Bureau of Naval Personnel Washington, D.C.
Dear Sirs-
Until now, I found myself unequal to write you regarding the remains of my blessed Son, Lieutenant (J.G.) Albert L. Peterson. My son met his untimely death in Bougainville-March 24, 1944.
There he is peacefully sleeping until his remains will be returned to me, which causes me to be so grateful to our own United States.
I realize only his remains are there, for he is my sacred spirit’s comrade daily – here with me. But Sir, my son is all I have. It will bring untold comfort to me to have him here with me. To be beside me one glorious day.
From the depths of my heart, this is my wish. Thank you sirs.
Very truly yours,
Mrs. M.A. Peterson
817 Ponce De Leon Ave. N.E. #8
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My father was Paul D Jessop, he spoke of your Grandfather a lot. My father passed away in 2011 .The World War II Dead of University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA)
Hi Bill, Thanks for putting this together. My grand uncle, 2nd Lt. Robert L. Woolfolk attended UCLA and I believe he graduated in 1936. He was on the waterpolo team. He was a bombardier in the 571st Bomb Squadron, 390th Bomb Group and his aircraft "Decatur Deb" was shot down on May 28, 1944. He and six others perished while three were able bail out and became POWs. This is written up the in the book "Bloody Skies: U.S. Eighth Air Force Battle Damage in World War II." There is a B-17G tail gunner's compartment on display at the 390th Bomb Group Memorial Museum, which is dedicated to this crew. Regards, Nick VeronicoBill’s WW2 Almanac for January 21: Featuring Col. Randy’s Flying Circus
Hi! Randall Col Randy is actually my great grandfather and I was wandering if you ever new him? I am curious to know more about him.Women in WWII: Cornelia Clark Fort
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I’m looking for information on My Great great GRANDFATHER WAS ON A B-24 LIBERATOR CALLED: Diamond li
Bill’s WWII Almanac
Subj: LT Junior Grade Albert Leonidas Peterson
My deceased mother (who was a Navy Wave) knew this pilot and his mother; Albert’s mother gave my mother a copy of his funeral card with picture two pictures on it, a short story about how he died, & and a memorial note from his uncle. Albert’s mother also gave my mother his “Purple Heart Medal”. I donated these items to the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, FL in the earlier part of this year 2014. The museum curator Mr. Frank Matson recieved these items from myself and my younger brother and included these items in Albert’s Navy file records, which he showed us at the museum.
I thought you would like to know this information!
Sincerely,
Steve
Special need; to find as much information possible regard night takeoff accident of F4U-1 attached to VMF-212 (bureau #02215) on 16 Aug 43. This was a fatal incident in which my brother and the pilot died. I have found some stuff but interested in accident reports. Brother: John Francis Burke #271181 USMCR ( an aircraft engineer on the ground)
Pilot: 2nd LT. Herbert W. Strass Jr. (as listed in VMF-224 scrap book).
If unable to assist me I would appreciate your direction.
Thank you for your service,
Ed. Burke
My Great-Grandfather was a tail gunner in VB-305. He was injured over Simpson harbor on April 11th, 1944. I have a picture of VB-305 before they shipped overseas and I believe I found Albert in the picture. RIP Mr. Peterson
Hi Peyton: I would love to see the photo you mention. Best, Bill