Joe Peterburs

Cold War, Korean War, Vietnam War, World War II

Joe Peterburs served his country as a member of the Army Air Forces during World War II.  As a P-51 Mustang fighter pilot, Joe shot down a German fighter ACE who was flying the Me-262, the world first operational jet fighter.  After shooting down the German, he too would be shot down.  He became a POW, but escapted and hooked up with a Russian tank unit before being reunited with American forces.  

Joe would become a member of the United States Air Force when it became a separate branch of the military in 1947.  He would go on to serve during the Korean, Vietnam and Cold War.  He retired in 1979 at the rank of Colonel.

Among his many awards are the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star and Purple Heart.





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