Bidspirit auction | WW2 Major General Chesley Peterson

WW2 Major General Chesley Peterson USAF and Major John Glose USAF Signed First American Squadron in RAF FDC. US Airmail Stamp with Andrews Air Force Base 1 May 1972 Postmark. Flown in a VC10 XR101. 3 Further Postmarks to Rear. Major General Chesley G. Peterson (August 10, 1920 - January 28, 1990) was a career officer in the United States Air Force, and a flying ace of the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) in World War II. As a fighter pilot in the European theatre, he is best known for his time as the commander of the famous 4th Fighter Group during 1942-1943. At 23, he was the youngest colonel in the USAAF. Peterson arrived in England in late 1940 and was assigned to No. 71 Squadron of the Royal Air Force (RAF). No. 71 Squadron was one of the three Eagle Squadrons, made up of volunteer American pilots who served in World War II prior to the United States entering the war. The Americans would fly Hurricanes and Spitfires against the Luftwaffe. In time, he was promoted to flight lieutenant, and given command of No. 71 Squadron. Flight Lieutenant Peterson completed 42 missions while flying with the RAF. When he was given command of No. 71 Squadron, he was only 21 years old and the youngest squadron commander in the RAF. Good condition Est.