Oscar V. Peterson
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| Oscar Verner Peterson | |
|---|---|
| August 27, 1899 – May 13, 1942 (aged 42) | |
 Chief Water Tender Oscar V. Peterson, USN. |
|
| Place of birth | Prentice, Wisconsin |
| Place of death | Killed in action, Coral Sea |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1920-1942 |
| Rank | Chief Water Tender |
| Unit | USS Neosho |
| Battles/wars | Battle of the Coral Sea |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Oscar Verner Peterson (August 27, 1899 – May 13, 1942) was a Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy who received the Medal of Honor posthumously in World War II for his actions during the Battle of the Coral Sea.
[edit] Biography
Peterson was born in Prentice, Wisconsin and enlisted in the Navy on December 8, 1920. After his initial training, Peterson spent his entire Navy career of over twenty years in sea duty aboard various ships. After American entry into World War II, he had achieved the rank of Chief Water Tender and was assigned to the USS Neosho, an oiler ship operating in the Pacific theater.
On May 7, 1942, during the Battle of the Coral Sea, Neosho was heavily damaged by bombs from Japanese carrier aircraft, and much of the ship was in flames. Peterson was part of a below-decks repair party. Despite being already severely burned in the rescue effort, he ignored the probability of incurring additional burns to close a set of bulkhead stop valves in order to save the ship.
Neosho was ultimately scuttled on May 11. Peterson died as a result of his burn injuries on May 13, 1942. He was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions during the battle. The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Peterson was named in his honor.
