SIDNEY C. PETERMAN PAPERS

Sidney C. Peterman was born February 25, 1920 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, the son of Gustave C. and Celia Fay Peterman. Following his early graduation from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point on January 19, 1943, he began his military career as a mortar platoon leader in Company H, 87th Mountain Infantry Regiment. He arrived at Camp Hale, Colorado on May 9, 1943. During the invasion of Kiska Island, Peterman and his mortar platoon landed in advance of the infantry troops and accidentally came under friendly fire. Upon returning to Camp Hale, Peterman was assigned to command Company F of the 87th Infantry.

While engaged in combat operations against the German Army in Italy, Peterman received the Silver Star Medal for gallantry on April 23, 1945 for his actions to establish a successful beachhead across the Po River while under extremely heavy enemy artillery fire. Peterman also received the Bronze Star Medal for his leadership and direction of a heavy weapons company.

Following the War, Peterman served in the Mountain and Winter Warfare Training Center at Camp Carson, Colorado. He resigned from active duty in October 1947 and joined the New Hampshire National Guard, where he served with distinction for more than thirty years. Peterman retired from the National Guard with the rank of colonel. He also served for eight years as civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army.

Peterman worked thirty-two years for General Electric Company in Somersworth, New Hampshire. He married Helen Newton on January 21, 1943. They have five children and twelve grandchildren. During retirement, Peterman remained active playing golf, fly fishing and gardening. As of 2009, he continues to reside in New Hampshire.