LTG Edward C. Peter II USA (Retired)
Cullum: 18084
Class: '51
Cadet Company: I2
Date of Birth: May 8, 1929
Date of Death: November 12, 2008 - View or Post a Eulogy
GEN Peter was born on May 8, 1929, in Washington DC. The family moved to Miami Florida, in 1937. His mother's family was devoted to service in the Army. It was this background that led Ed to West Point and where he became a cadet captain.
From May 1952 to February 1953, he served in the Korean War as a platoon leader, company executive officer, assistant battalion S3, and battalion S2 in the 35th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. When he returned to the States, he commanded Company F, 188th Airborne Infantry, 11th Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, KY. next, Ed earned a Master of Science degree at the University of Michigan. Then, he was an instructor and Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanics, U.S.M.A.. In the late 1950's, Ed commanded Company D, 21st Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. In the early 60's, he served as a Congressional Liaison Officer, U.S. Army.
In the late 60's he commanded the 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, in Vietnam. Following that, he was Deputy G3, II Field Force, Vietnam. Following that , he was Special Division, Fort Riley, KS., then served at Headquarters, FORSCOM, Fort McPherson, GA. There, he was Secretary of the General Staff, and later Assistant DCSOPS. In the late 70's he was Assistant Commander, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Then he was Chief of Legislative Liaison. He commanded the 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized) and Fort Polk, LA, in the early 80's. He was promoted to Lieutenant General, and commanded the Fourth U.S. Army, Fort Sheridan, IL., until retirement in 1986.
During thirty-five years of commissioned service, Ed was awarded two Combat Infantry badges, two Distinguished Service Medals, two Silver Stars, two Legions of Merit, two Bronze Star Medals, the Meritorious Service Medal, six Air Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, and the U.S. Army General Staff Badge.
After Army retirement, he was President of the Commercial Distribution Center, Independence, Missouri, finally retiring at the age of 65.
He married Jean Foresteire in 1953. They have four children; Jean, Edward, Mary, and Anita. As of 2000, they had seven grandchildren.
