REGINALD PETERSON, was serving as a Radioman when he received the Navy Cross for distinguishing himself by display of heroism on the occasion of the bombing and loss of the USS Panay on 12 December 1937. Mr. Peterson was a member of the crew which courageously operated the machine gun battery against the attacking planes even though these guns could not bear forward, from which direction most of the attacks were made. Though wounded, he remained at his post of duty until he was ordered to abandon ship. His performance of duty on this occasion was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.

Mr. Peterson joined the Legion of Valor in 1962 and resided in Virginia.