Lt. Gen. Frank Petersen passed away August 25 at the age of 83. He was the first black Marine Corps pilot and the first black Marine to become a general. Today, he was laid to rest at our nation’s most sacred shrine, Arlington National Cemetery.
Petersen’s military service began with two years in the Navy — his score on the entrance exam was so high, that he was asked to take the test again. He later decided to enter the Naval Aviation Cadet Program, where despite the racism he encountered, he was able to graduate and earn his pilot’s wings. He joined the Marine Corps as a commissioned officer, becoming the first black Marine Corps pilot, and flew in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He flew hundreds of combat hours; in Korea, he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, and in Vietnam, he received a Purple Heart. He was injured when his plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire over a demilitarized zone, and was forced to eject. Petersen made history again when, on February 23, 1979, he was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. He ultimately reached the rank of lieutenant general in 1986 before retiring.
Petersen died of lung cancer at his home. Last month, he was honored in a memorial service held at the U.S. Naval Academy. He is survived by his wife, Alicia, and his children, grandchildren, and siblings.