Profiles of Valor: CWT Oscar Peterson (USN)

More than 70 Japanese dive bombers and other aircraft attacked the Neosho and a nearby destroyer, the USS Sims. The Neosho suffered heavy damage in the attack, which lasted almost 20 minutes — an eternity when you are on the receiving end. Peterson and several members of a repair party he was leading were severely wounded in the attack. But that did not deter him from assisting in the closing of critical valves to keep the ship afloat and attending to the wounded, despite his own third-degree burns.
By shutting the bulkhead stop valves, Peterson isolated the steam to the engine room, which helped keep the ship operational and afloat. The Sims was sunk in the attack, and only 15 survivors made it to the Neosho, joining its 123 survivors. After being adrift for four days, thanks in large measure to Peterson’s actions, all the survivors were rescued by the USS Henley, and they scuttled the Neosho to prevent it from falling into enemy hands.
Oscar Peterson died of his burn injuries two days after the rescue on 13 May and was ceremonially buried at sea. For his actions that day, he would posthumously receive the Medal of Honor.

His MoH citation notes: “For extraordinary courage and conspicuous heroism above and beyond the call of duty while in charge of a repair party during an attack on the USS Neosho by enemy Japanese aerial forces on 7 May 1942. Lacking assistance because of injuries to the other members of his repair party and severely wounded himself, Peterson, with no concern for his own life, closed the bulkhead stop valves and in so doing received additional burns which resulted in his death. His spirit of self-sacrifice and loyalty, characteristic of a fine seaman, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.”