CONCORD, NH — Bill Peterson of Loudon, a World War II veteran who recently turned 100, was recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs during a ceremony Sunday at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Concord.
The recognition is part of the VA's Centenarian Program, which honors U.S. veterans who reach 100 years of age. Peterson received a personal note and challenge coin from VA Secretary Douglas Collins, which was presented to him by Kevin Forrest, executive director of the VA Manchester Healthcare System.
"These are really special times," Forrest said of working with veterans in New Hampshire.
Peterson joined the Navy in 1943 at 18. After training as a radioman, he departed Hawaii aboard an aircraft carrier bound for the Marshall Islands. During the voyage, he was issued a carbine and assigned to a U.S. Marine Corps unit clearing smaller islands of enemy forces. Peterson said the Marines' tactic "was to bust through defenses and go forward even if the enemy remained to their left and right — our job was to move to the flanks and to shoot anything that moved." Forrest noted it was "some of the fiercest combat" of the war, as the United States prepared to invade Japan, which later proved unnecessary due to the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings.
Originally from the Queens section of New York City, Peterson left the Navy in 1946 and became a tradesman.
While visiting an aunt in Brighton, Massachusetts, Peterson met Peggy Igoe, who later became his wife. He called her the most beautiful girl he ever saw. They spent 75 years together before settling in Loudon. They had nine children, 27 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
"Peg," Forrest said, "is with us in spirit today."
Forrest presented Peterson with a letter from Collins as well as two coins.
"Thank you," he said, after receiving the honors, "God bless you. I'd like to thank all these people who do so much."
Peterson said he drove to the chapel daily and prayed for his family, parishioners, and fellow veterans who were dying off.
"It's a wonderful parish," he said. "I love you all."
A few months ago, dozens of people attended his surprise 100th birthday celebration at a local Wendy's restaurant.
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