United States Marine Corps General. A pioneering figure of American Military History, he held the distinction of being the first African-Amerian to attain the rank of General in the United States Marine Corps. Additionally, he became the first African-American to serve as an aviator with the Marine Corps. A veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, he flew roughly 64 missions (during the Korean War) and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross. In 1968, he became the first African-American in the Marine Corps to command a tactical air squadron and greatly extended his flying experience, as he flew nearly 300 missions during the Vietnam War. His father was a sugar cane plantation worker and native of the Virgin Islands, young Frank was raised in Kansas and enlisted with the Navy, two years after President Truman abolished segregation within the United States Armed Forces. In spite of desegregation, Peterson was subjected to racial bigotry. He was serving as an electrics technician and was accepted to the Naval Aviation Cadet Program, prior to joining the Marine Corps in 1952. Among his other honors include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with Combat "V", a Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V" and a Purple Heart. In 1973, he attained his Master's degree in International Affairs from George Washington University. In 1979, he became the first African-American to attain the rank of General in the United States Marine Corps, when he rose to Lieutenant General. His autobiography titled "Into the Tiger's Jaw: America's First Black Marine Aviator" was published in 1998. In 2010, President Obama appointed him as a member of the Board of Visitors to the United States Naval Academy.
United States Marine Corps General. A pioneering figure of American Military History, he held the distinction of being the first African-Amerian to attain the rank of General in the United States Marine Corps. Additionally, he became the first African-American to serve as an aviator with the Marine Corps. A veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, he flew roughly 64 missions (during the Korean War) and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross. In 1968, he became the first African-American in the Marine Corps to command a tactical air squadron and greatly extended his flying experience, as he flew nearly 300 missions during the Vietnam War. His father was a sugar cane plantation worker and native of the Virgin Islands, young Frank was raised in Kansas and enlisted with the Navy, two years after President Truman abolished segregation within the United States Armed Forces. In spite of desegregation, Peterson was subjected to racial bigotry. He was serving as an electrics technician and was accepted to the Naval Aviation Cadet Program, prior to joining the Marine Corps in 1952. Among his other honors include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with Combat "V", a Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V" and a Purple Heart. In 1973, he attained his Master's degree in International Affairs from George Washington University. In 1979, he became the first African-American to attain the rank of General in the United States Marine Corps, when he rose to Lieutenant General. His autobiography titled "Into the Tiger's Jaw: America's First Black Marine Aviator" was published in 1998. In 2010, President Obama appointed him as a member of the Board of Visitors to the United States Naval Academy.
Bio by: C.S.
Family Members
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