William Peterson 1923 - 1944

PETERSON

Posted By: Susan Harris (email)
Date: 11/9/2001 at 10:50:29

Nevada Journal - 14 Oct 1944

Pfc. William Peterson Paratrooper, Killed In Action In Holland

Kelley, Oct 14--On the same day that a letter had been received from their son, Pfc. William L. Peterson, paratrooper with the United States army, overseas, Mr. and Mrs. William Peterson of the Kelley community were notified in a brief telegram Tuesday from the War Department of the sad news that their son had been killed in action in Holland on September 21. In his letter private Peterson stated that he was well and asked his parents "not to worry about him as he probably would be back home in the not too distant future."

Private Peterson was born on January 10, 1923, on the farm on which his parents are residing. He attended the Kelley schools and graduated with the class of 1942. Always a favorite with his teachers and his school mates, William was esteemed and admired for his good sportsmanship and fairness in dealing with others. Following his graduation from High School, he went to Los Angeles, Calif., where he was employed in the aircraft industry until his enlistment in the armed forces in January, 1943. William received his basic training at Camp Robinson, Ark., where he volunteered as a paratrooper. He was transferred to Camp Benning, Georgia, for further training. Later he was sent to Camp McCall, North Carolina, for embarkation for overseas duty. Private Peterson arrived in England in June, 1944. The details of his death have not as yet been learned. The memory of this happy smiling lad, who so valiantly gave his life for his country, will long be cherished in the hearts of all who knew him, for by his spontaneous friendliness. William had endeared himself to every one.

Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have two other sons in the service, Private Leonard Peterson of Pennsylvania, who is at the present spending a short furlough at the home of his parents, and Private Paul Peterson of Oceanside, Calif.

Besides his parents and his two bothers in the armed forces, William is survived by another brother and five sisters. Three of his brothers-in-laws are serving their country.