John B. Peterson, Jr. was born on August 15, 1948, in Paterson, NJ, to John B. and Janet Zour Peterson. His home of record is Dover, NJ. He had one brother, Robert, and five sisters, Janet, his twin, Elaine, Gloria, Maryanne and Alberta. John spent his early high school years at Bonnie Brae Farm for Boys in West Millington, NJ. He made the transition to Ridge High School in Basking Ridge, NJ, and graduated in 1967. John was remembered as a friend, a participant, and an optimist. He earned the award as “Most Improved Senior.” He was engaged to Noreen Cerino.
He joined the US Army in December 1967, and arrived in Vietnam in October, 1968. Peterson attained the rank of Specialist 4 (SP4).
Peterson was killed in action on March 10, 1969, in Quang Tin Province, by small arms fire. He was reported to have been moving to a new position with his unit outside Saigon when he was shot by the enemy.
Services were held at Moore’s Home for Funerals in Paterson, followed by interment at Laurel Grove Memorial Park.
In June of 2008 Ridge High School awarded its first $2,500 scholarship to a graduating senior who demonstrated John’s virtues. To keep his spirit alive the Board of Trustees of his high school named it the “Ridge Alumni Memorial Scholarship.” To his friends, the scholarship is called “John’s fund.”
Sources: Ridge Alumni Memorial Scholarship and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024
