Lieutenant General Frank Petersen was the first African-American promoted to the rank of general in the Marine Corps. Prior to his promotion, Petersen had been the Corps’ first African-American pilot.

Petersen received his commission as a second lieutenant in 1952, serving in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts as a skilled pilot. Petersen later served as the senior ranking aviator in the Marine Corps.

LtGen Petersen broke racial barriers, and strengthened the legacy of African-American leaders in the Marine Corps.