Frank E. Petersen was born at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in 1921 and grew up in various posts where his father, an officer in the U.S. Army, was stationed. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1943 and joined the United States Marine Corps.
During his career, Colonel Petersen commanded Marine Corps units in both peace and war. He served as a rifle company commander in combat in the Korean War. Still, he is most famous for his service in the Vietnam War, where he commanded the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, known as "The Magnificent Bastards."
Under Colonel Petersen's leadership, the 1/7 Marines fought several critical engagements in the war. They were one of the first units to land at Da Nang in March 1965 and participated in heavy combat operations throughout the country.
Colonel Petersen was known for his bravery, leadership, and compassion for his troops. He was wounded several times in combat but always returned to the front lines. He was awarded numerous decorations for his service, including the Navy Cross and the Silver Star.
After retiring from the Marine Corps in 1969, Colonel Petersen continued to serve his country in various capacities. He worked for the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs and served as the Military Director of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Colonel Petersen passed away in 2015 at the age of 94. He was a true American hero and a role model for generations of Marines.