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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Mr. Kent D. Peterson

Blaine Peterson of Gothenburg, Nebraska served in the 12th Troop Carrier Squadron of the Army Air Corps in World War II. Enlisting in April of 1944, he started his pilot training in Tyler, TX in a PT-19 and then went on to advanced training at Ellington Field, Houston, TX. He piloted C-47 transport planes in the Po Valley area of Northern Italy and other areas of Italy, the Balkans, Western Europe and South America. The 12th ferried troops & supplies and transported wounded soldiers from battle areas. After the surrender of Germany the unit transferred to South America and participated in the movement of overseas troops back to the United States. 1st Lt. Oscar Blaine Peterson was discharged from the Army Air Corps in January of 1946. He returned to Gothenburg, Nebraska where he married Arlene A. Aden on May 5, 1946. They had five children and have owned and operated a grocery business for over 50 years. Blaine has been active in aviation throughout his life. He has maintained his love of flying and his pilot's license throughout the years and has supported and encouraged others in the pursuit of careers in aviation fields. His squadron continues to hold annual reunions, which have been a continuing source of camaraderie over the years. His family has maintained an enormous pride in his service to the United States during World War II and his service to his community throughout his life in Nebraska.