Short Breaking Barriers

Credit: Rick Robinson | Date Taken: 02/08/2021
Throughout February, the Marine Corps honors Marines – like Lt. Gen. Frank E. Petersen Jr. – who strengthened the Corps through their diversity. Petersen, the Marine Corps’ first black aviator and general, commissioned in the Marine Corps in 1952 after serving two years in the U.S. Navy. Petersen served during the Korean War in 1953 and Vietnam in 1968. During his career, Petersen flew more than 350 combat missions and more than 4,000 hours in various military aircraft. He passed Aug. 25, 2015, at age 83. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Rick Robinson)