World War II Honoree

Lawrence A. Peterson

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Honored By

Marcele Wegher

Relationship

Niece

Morning of D-Day, his ship followed in ships that had laid smoke screen; came under heavy gun fire from German guns; tried to avoid the fire but couldn't see much because of smoke screen. Hit a mine and sank. First American ship lost. Spent one year in English hospital and one and a half years at Bethesda Hospital. Awarded the Purple Heart.