ABOUT THE EVENT
Due to the local power outages in early June, Phoenixville Public Library is offering another online presentation of “Major David McKelvy Peterson: World War One Ace” on Tuesday, June 30 at 7:00 PM. Learn about this World War I fighter pilot and hero from Pennsylvania from the Library’s own Walter Hook. David McKelvy Peterson was born in Honesdale, Pennsylvania on July 2, 1894. After a stint in the French Foreign Legion in 1916, David was repatriated to the United States Army Air Service, eventually commanding the 95th Aero Squadron. He shot down five planes, making him an “ace”. For his heroics during World War I, he received two Distinguished Service Crosses and the Croix de Guerre. Later he became Officer in Charge of Gunnery (an early “Top Gun”) at Carlstrom Field, in Arcadia, Florida.
On March 16, 1919 his plane crashed and he was killed at Daytona Beach. His death made front page news on national newspapers. This event is free and open to the public and will be held online/by phone via Zoom. Reservations are required on the Adult Events Calendar at www.phoenixvillelibrary.org or by calling 610-933-3013 x132.
610-933-3013 x132
