The Wilmington morning star., 1945-06-03
New Peiffer Field
Dedicated In Honor
OF Local Navy Airman

(lOntkHQcQ ITOm age OAOJ
ed that 1--WE need to dedicate our
minds and hearts to the task OF
finding out how wars start-how
a permanent peace may be estab-
lished."
He termed the Civitan club pub
lie spirited in backing the dedica-
ton of the Carolina Skyways field,
and expressed the hope that 1t
would stand as a symbol of new
days"
1t. Comdr. Peter Brown Ruffin,
USNR, of Charlotte, official rep
~esentative Of Admiral Jules
James, commandant of the Sixth
Naval district, expressed the ad-
mirals best wishes on the occa-
sion and his own pleasure in be-
ing chosen to represent Admiral
James.
Cmdr. Ruffin reviewed the his
tory of the war in the Pacific
theater and expressed the opinion
that the battle of Midway, which
took place in June, 1912, in which
Ensign Peiffer lost his life was
the turning point in Japanese sue
cesses.
Stressing how much yet remains
to be done, he urged the support
of a united home front in the days
coming.
Following Cmdr. Ruffin's ad-
dress, Mrs. Frank Peiffer, the
hero's mother, unveiled the me-
mortal plaque at the airport club
house.
Ensign Peiffer, the first Viii
to lose his life in this
war, went out on a bombing mis-
sion on June 4, 1912, in the open
ing days of the battle of Midway.
He was seen to attack a carrier.
releasing his two bombs and be-
gin his return TO his own ship.
Running out of gas before reach
in safety, he was forced to land
in the ocean but was observed
getting into his rubber boat
Searching forces were unable to
locate him.
He was born in Wilmington Sep
TENDER 10, 1915. He enlisted In the
United States Naval Reserve in
December, 1910, after graduating
from the University of North Car
DINA, and was appointed, upon
completion of his training, an En-
sign in the Naval Air corps, Sep
TENDER Is, 1941. He reported to
the carrier Enterprise" for sea
duty in March, 1912.
Ensign Peiffer was awarded the
American Defense Service medal,
the Asiatic Pacific Campaign
medal, and the Navy Cross with
the following citation:
For extraordinary heroism and
courageous devotion to duty while
plotting an airplane of Scouting
in action against enemy
Japanese forces in the Battle of
Midway during the period of June
As, 1912. Participating in a de-
vastating assault against a Japa-
nese invasion fleet, Ensign Peif-
fer, with fortitude and resolute de-
votion to duty, pressed home his
attacks in the face of a formid-
able barrage of anti-aircraft fire
and fierce fighter opposition. His
gallant perseverance and utter
for his own personal
safety were important contribut-
ing factors to the success achieved
by our forces and were in keep
ing with the highest traditions of
the United States Naval Service
Aviation notables attending the
ceremonies were Dan Frakes,
United Aero Club, Charlotte, Char
lie Smith, Aeronca factory repre-
sentative, Truman Miller, Raleigh
Airport manager and president of
the Carolina Aero Club, J. H. Day.
is, Of Winston Salem, manager of
the Piedmont airport and member
Of the State Aeronautical commits
sion, and Warren Pennington, /
manager of the Carolina Beach
airport.
The New Hanover High school
R.O.T.C. band furnished music
and the dedication exercises were
concluded with the playing of the
'sStar Spangled Banner