Press Releases

CBC Chairman Butterfield’s Statement on the Passing of U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant General Frank E. Petersen, Jr.

Washington, DC, August 28, 2015

Today, Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chairman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) released the following statement on the passing of U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant General Frank E. Petersen, Jr.:

“While we mourn the loss of United States Marine Corps Lieutenant General Frank E. Petersen, Jr., we also celebrate his over three decades of honorable, inspired and courageous service to our country.  From the harrowing skies of Korea and Vietnam, Lieutenant General Petersen flew over 300 combat missions with great courage, honor and distinction and logged over 4,000 flight hours on a variety of tactical fighter and attack aircraft by the end of his military career. 

“From his humble beginnings in Topeka, Kansas, Lieutenant General Petersen endured the humiliations of segregation, gaining strength and a resolute character along the way, to become the Marine Corps' first African American aviator in 1952 and ultimately becoming the first African American Marine Corps general officer in 1979 when he attained the rank of Brigadier General.  The country is forever indebted and grateful to Lieutenant General Frank E. Petersen, Jr., for his more than thirty years of dedicated service to the protection of our great nation. 

“We offer our condolences to Lieutenant General Petersen's wife, Alicia, his children and the entire Petersen family during this time of grief.”

Lieutenant General Frank E. Petersen, Jr., will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.

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Since its establishment in 1971, Members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) have joined together to empower America’s neglected citizens and address their legislative concerns.  For more than 40 years, the CBC has consistently been the voice for people of color and vulnerable communities in Congress and has been committed to utilizing the full Constitutional power and statutory authority of the United States government to ensure that all U.S. citizens have an opportunity to achieve the American Dream.  To learn more about the Congressional Black Caucus, visit http://cbc-butterfield.house.gov.

Media inquiries: Candace L. Randle at (202) 593-1331 or Candace.Randle@mail.house.gov