USS Icefish

Richard Ward Peterson, a retired rear admiral and one
of the last surviving and most highly decorated submarine officers
of World War II, died at his home in Los Altos on April 14. He was 90.

Born in 1908 in St. Paul, Minnesota, he graduated
from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1931. He obtained an MBA
from the University of Santa Clara in 1968.

During World War II, he commanded several submarines
on 10 patrols in the Pacific, each lasting two to 15 months.
He was awarded the Navy Cross and Silver Star for extraordinary
heroism, expert seamanship and inspiring leadership, in sinking
enemy shipping while rescuing six downed U.S. airmen in hostile waters.

His daring proximity to the coast of Japan was documented
by his famous photograph, published on the cover of Life magazine,
of Mount Fuji, taken through the periscope of his submarine.
He was also the recipient of three Bronze Stars (two with Combat Victory)
and a Navy Commendation medal with a Combat Victory.

During the Korean War, he commanded the USS Navasota and again
received a Navy Commendation Medal with Combat Victory.

In 1950, Adm. Peterson was transferred to Treasure Island,
where he was assistant chief of staff and commanded
the USS Breckenridge. That year, he moved to San Rafael,
where he lived for 10 years.

After retiring in 1975, he traveled extensively with his wife
and found time to help the elderly and the developmentally disabled.
He was a violinist and played in many local orchestras.
He also enjoyed photography and making furniture.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Virginia; five sons,
Richard of Berkeley, John of San Jose, Michael of Sonoma,
James of New York and Robert of Larkspur; and many grandsons.

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