Aerial Combat in WWII and Korea with Joe Peterburs

Joe Peterburs was studying to be a priest when the attack on Pearl Harbor occurred. He immediately left the seminary to join the armed forces.
During World War II, Joe served his country as a P-51 Mustang fighter pilot in the Army Air Corps. On his 49th and final mission, he shot down German fighter Ace, Walter Schuck, who was flying the Me-262, the world’s first operational jet fighter. Following this, Joe was also shot down and became a POW. He later escaped, joined a Russian tank unit fighting on the ground, and was eventually reunited with American forces.
In 1947, Joe became a member of the United States Air Force when it was established as a separate branch of the military. He continued to serve during the Korean, Vietnam, and Cold Wars, retiring as a Colonel in 1979 after 36 years and 5 months of service.
His numerous awards include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart.
Currently, Joe is helping a close friend lead a fundraiser to build a memorial for the 20th Fighter Group in England, at the old Kings Cliffe Air Base, where he and many other young men served and sacrificed during WWII.

This program was organized by Phoebe Piper #1244.