Chief Water Tender Oscar V. Peterson
U.S. Navy (USN) USS Neosho (AO-23) earned the Medal of Honor
Background
Oscar Verner Peterson was born August 27, 1899 in Prentice, Wisconsin. On December 8, 1920 he enlisted in California into the U.S. Navy (USN) and was assigned to sea duty. During World War II, Peterson attained the rank of Chief Water Tender (CWT) aboard USS Neosho (AO-23) operating as a fleet oiler in the Pacific.
Wartime History
 On May 7, 1942 during the Battle of the Coral Sea around 11:15am USS Neosho (AO-23) was targeted by D3A Val dive bombers and severely damaged and Peterson was severely wounded. Despite his injuries, Peterson was in charge of a repair party and managed to close the bulkhead stop valves and was severely burned but saved the ship from sinking.
Despite the damage, the oiler remained afloat due to the valiant efforts of the ship's repair party. Aboard, Chief Water Tender Oscar V. Peterson was wounded but managed to close bulkhead stop valves and in so doing received additional burns but saved the ship that remained afloat and drifting.
On May 11, 1942 the surviving crew members including Peterson were rescued by USS Henley (DD-391) then at 2:28pm afterwards scuttled USS Neosho (AO-23) with gunfire. On May 13, 1942 Peterson died of his wounds.
Posthumous Medal of Honor Citation
 "For extraordinary courage and conspicuous heroism above and beyond the call of duty while in charge of a repair party during an attack on the U.S.S. Neosho by enemy Japanese aerial forces on 7 May 1942. Lacking assistance because of injuries to the other members of his repair party and severely wounded himself, Peterson, with no concern for his own life, closed the bulkhead stop valves and in so doing received additional burns which resulted in his death. His spirit of self-sacrifice and loyalty, characteristic of a fine seaman, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country." |
Memorials
On May 13, 1942 Peterson died of wounds and was buried at sea. He earned the Medal of Honor and Purple Heart. Peterson is memorialized at Manila American Cemetery on the tablets of the missing.
On January 29, 2012, a memorial service for Peterson was held at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel in Richfield, Idaho. In attendance was his son, Fred Peterson. A memorial marker was dedicated at Richfield Cemetery at block 9W, lot 3.
Relatives
Lola Peterson (wife)
Fred Peterson (son)
Donald Peterson (son)
References
Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) Chief Petty Officer Recipients of the Medal of Honor
"*PETERSON, OSCAR V., Chief Watertender, USS Neosho, 7 MAY 1942 * [posthumously]
Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) - The Battle of the Coral Sea
"7 May 1942 – On board the crippled Neosho, CWT Oscar V. Peterson, although badly wounded, risks his life to close bulkhead stop valves, receiving severe burns."
"11 May 1942 – Among those men is the badly injured CWT Peterson, who dies of his wounds. For his extraordinary heroism and distinguished gallantry on board Neosho during her ordeal on 7 May, Peterson was awarded the Medal of Honor, posthumously."
Times-News "Medal of Honor recipient Peterson memorialized in Richfield February 3, 2012
American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) -
Oscar V. Peterson buried at sea
FindAGrave - Oscar Verner Peterson (tablets of the missing photo)
FindAGrave -
Oscar Verner Peterson (memorial marker photo)
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