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.