Veterans Day will be here and will give us an opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments and sacrifices of our men and women who wear or who have worn our uniforms.
One such person is Captain Edward Peters who was killed in action on June 6, 1944. He was born in Framingham on December 22, 1915 and was a man of unwavering dedication to his country and whose military service demonstrated the highest standards of duty and valor.
Peters’ preparation for becoming an outstanding leader began with his athletic abilities and leadership at Framingham High School and Western Maryland University (now McDaniel College).
After graduation from college he commanded a Civilian Conservation Corps unit furthering his leadership abilities.
Captain Peters enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942 and trained as a United States Army Paratrooper. Captain Peters was initially assigned to the 511th PIR, 11 Airborne Division and subsequently transferred to the HQ Co. 506 Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101 Airborne Division (Screaming Eagles). On D-Day, June 6, 1944 Captain Peters parachuted into enemy territory. After assisting in establishing a command post near Culoville with other soldiers and taking out 2 machine gun nests Captain Peters was killed taking out a third enemy machine gun nest.
He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star (our Nations 3rd highest award for gallantry) and the Purple Heart. Other military honors include the Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, World War II Victory Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation, Army Good Conduct Medal and European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal.
Captain Peters is buried at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, France. The Framingham Veterans Council will be placing a wreath on Captain Peters grave on or about November 4, 2025 in recognition of his bravery and outstanding performance as an American soldier.
www.usairborne.be, “Cpt Edward A. Peters jr.”
www.dday.org, “National D-Day Memorial/Our D-Day Fallen: Capt.Edward A. Peters,” July 25 2012
www.database-memoire.eu “PETERS Edward A – 506 PIR 101 AD”
MassBay Community College