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12 Dec 2003
As the holidays come closer and the family gathers an empty spot is in our hearts. Doug would be surprised to see the children of his little sister. One is already married, one in college, and one about the same age as his mother when Doug passed away. Pictures of Doug are in every room of his parents house as a memorial to their lost son.
As many families of the Viet Nam soliders we reflect on past times and wish things would be so different. How we all wish that Doug could be part of a holiday celebration and how we yearn to hear his hearty laugh.
As we all grow older and new generations are born, as a family we will not forget. Our prayers and thoughts are with all the families that experience the empty seat during family functions. And we pray for the families that are now experiencing this loss.
We will remember you, Doug, and will honor your memory.
From his family.
E-mail address is not available.
Peterson Is Evacuated
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Sp. 4 Douglas E. Peterson, severely wounded October 1 in fighting in the Vietnam War, has been evacuated to Camp Drake, a U.S. hospital installation in Japan.
Word of the evacuation came as good news to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Peterson, 604 S. Fourth St., indicating his condition had improved enough to permit him to be moved.
Peterson, 20, suffered wounds in his lungs, spleen, and spine from enemy small arms fire. He was listed in very serious condition for several days.
In a telegram received by the Petersons late this morning, it was stated that Peterson had arrived at the 249th Hospital in Japan. His condition is now listed as seriously ill rather than very seriously ill. The prognosis is fair. However, his condition is of such severity that there is cause for concern but no imminent danger to life.
His address is: Medical Holding Company, 249th General Hospital; APO San Francisco, Calif. 96267.
Mr. and Mrs. Peterson also received by mail Thursday two medals with accompanying citations awarded to their son.
They were the Purple Heart Medal for wounds received on Oct. 1 and the Army Commendation Medal with "V" device for heroism in ground combat on July 12.
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The Commendation Medal citation read in part: "Pfc. Peterson distinguished himself by heroism on 12 July, 1969, in connection with military operations against a hostile force while serving as a rifleman in ambush patrol [sic] in which Pfc. Peterson was a member, an enemy force of unknown size was taken under fire. As soon as he commenced fire, the enemy retaliated with intense AK-47 automatic rifle fire from a range of 15 to 20 meters. Pfc. Peterson kept up a heavy volume of fire dispite the intense hostile fire directed at his position and silenced the enemy. A search of the contact area revealed the body of one North Vietnamese soldier and valuable documents. Through his outstanding courage, Pfc. Peterson was most instrumental in the success of the mission."
Sp. 4 Douglas E. Peterson
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DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
HEADQUARTERS 3D BRIGADE 82D AIRBORNE DIVISION
APO San Francisco 96228
29 August 1969
GENERAL ORDERS
NUMBER 1395
AWARD OF THE ARMY COMMENDATION MEDAL WITH "V" DEVICE
1. TC 320. The following AWARD is announced.
PETERSON, DOUGLAS E 485 62 5861 PFC, Co D 1/505th Inf
| Awarded: |
The Army Commendation Medal with "V" Device |
| Date action: |
12 July 1969 |
| Theater: |
Republic of Vietnam |
| Reason: |
For heroism in ground combat in the Republic of Vietnam on 12 July 1969.
Private First Class Peterson distinguished himself by heroism on 12 July 1969, in connection with military operations against a hostile force while serving as a rifleman in Long An Province, Republic of Vietnam. During an ambush patrol in which Private First Class Peterson was a member, an enemy force of unknown size was taken under fire. As soon as he commenced fire the enemy retaliated with intense AK-47 automatic rifle fire from a range of 15 to 20 meters. Private First Class Peterson kept up a heavy volume of fire despite the intense hostile fire directed at his position and silenced the enemy. A search of the contact area revealed the body of one North Vietnamese soldier and valuable documents. Through his outstanding courage, Private First Class Peterson was most instrumental in the success of the mission. Private First Class Peterson's personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
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| Authority: |
By direction of the Secretary of the Army under the provisions of AR 672-5-1. |
FOR THE COMMANDER:
JAMES E FRITZ
Major, AGC
Adjutant General
OFFICIAL:
GEORGE E MONAHAN
WO1, USA
Asst AG
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