John D. Peterson

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to John D. Peterson, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier- based Navy Fighter Plane of Fighting Squadron TWENTY (VF-20), embarked from the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), in action against the enemy on 4 October 1944, during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands. Lieutenant Peterson’s outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.