US Marine Corps Major General. After graduating high school in Raleigh, Peatross enrolled at North Carolina State where he graduated in 1939 with a Bachelor of Science degree. After a short time considering what direction he wanted his career to go in, he decided to enlist in the Marine Corps and in 1940 he entered Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia. After completing school he was appointed a second lieutenant and assigned to the 2nd Marine Division in California. Shortly after World War II started he was transferred overseas as part of the Raider Battalion, Company B. In the summer of 1942 he was part of the force ordered by Admiral Nimitz to land on Makin Atoll in the Gilbert Islands. The objectives of the operation were several; to destroy installations, take prisoners, gain intelligence, and divert Japanese attention and reinforcements from Guadalcanal and Tulagi. Shortly after the landing began the operation was discovered by the Japanese and a fire fight ensued. The enemy launched two banzai attacks, but both were repulsed with heavy losses. The fighting continued into the next few days ultimately resulting in many of the raiders evacuating the island. Peatross as company commander of company B was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions in the operation.
US Marine Corps Major General. After graduating high school in Raleigh, Peatross enrolled at North Carolina State where he graduated in 1939 with a Bachelor of Science degree. After a short time considering what direction he wanted his career to go in, he decided to enlist in the Marine Corps and in 1940 he entered Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia. After completing school he was appointed a second lieutenant and assigned to the 2nd Marine Division in California. Shortly after World War II started he was transferred overseas as part of the Raider Battalion, Company B. In the summer of 1942 he was part of the force ordered by Admiral Nimitz to land on Makin Atoll in the Gilbert Islands. The objectives of the operation were several; to destroy installations, take prisoners, gain intelligence, and divert Japanese attention and reinforcements from Guadalcanal and Tulagi. Shortly after the landing began the operation was discovered by the Japanese and a fire fight ensued. The enemy launched two banzai attacks, but both were repulsed with heavy losses. The fighting continued into the next few days ultimately resulting in many of the raiders evacuating the island. Peatross as company commander of company B was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions in the operation.
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
