Did you know that Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs was named after one of our Englewood citizens and a graduate of Englewood High School class of 1935?
was an outstanding athlete and graduated 5th in his graduating class at Englewood High School in 1935. He graduated from Denver University in 1939 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in education and a Master of Arts degree in 1940.
Pete became interested in aviation and enrolled in the Civilian Pilot Training program, which led to him enlisting In the Army’s Aviation Cadet program.
He was ordered to report to California for basic training in March 1941 and was soon commissioned as a second lieutenant in October 1941. He was promoted to the rank of 1st. Lieutenant in February 1942 and assigned to the 12th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron at Colorado Springs Army Air Base in June 1942. He was also a test pilot for his squadron.
On August 8th, 1942, taking off from the base, in a Lockheed P-38 “Lightning” his engine malfunctioned and the plane crashed. He survived the accident badly burned and was taken to Glockner Hospital now known as Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs where he died later the same day.
His wife Ruth Wallrich Peterson had his ashes scattered over Pikes Peak, Denver, and Alamosa.
Colorado Springs Army Air Base was renamed Peterson Army Air Base in honor of Edward J. Peterson on December 13, 1942. He was the first veteran killed in the state of Colorado during WWII.
Pete was a member of the Englewood Masonic Lodge and was also responsible for founding the Englewood Chapter of DeMolay which helps prepare young men to lead moral and productive lives.
We honor him and will always remember his sacrifice and positive contribution to the City of Englewood, the state of Colorado, and the United States of America.
Kay Woodward Howard
(Founder of the Veterans Memorial)
