David Peterson enlisted in French aviation on the 9th of October 1916. Following flight school he was assigned to the LaFayette Escadrille on June 16th, 1917. He was transferred to the American Air Service and was commissioned a Captain in the 103rd Aero Squadron on February 18th, 1918. On April 1st, he was assigned to the 94th Aero Squadron. Then, on May 25th he was made C.O. of the 95th Aero Squadron and promoted to Major in August.
The fabric of the “Kicking Mule” in the museum is the insignia for the 95th Aero Squadron. This fabric was taken from Peterson’s SPAD.
Peterson was transferred to Dorr Field, Daytona Beach, Florida on October 8th 1918, where he served as an instructor. He had 2 victories with the LaFayette Escadrilla, 3 with the 94th Aero Squadron, and one with the 95th Aero Squadron. He was a 6 victory Ace.
He was decorated with the Distinguished Service Cross with Oak leaf and the Croix de Guerre 5 times. Major David McKelvey Peterson was killed in an airplane crash at Dorr Field on March 16th, 1919.
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