George E. Peckham was born in Cresco, Iowa. He graduated from Cresco High School in 1926 and from the Naval Academy in 1931. Admiral Peckham played a major role in the battle of the Komandorski Islands and also served in European-African and Phillipine Liberation Theatres. Admiral Peckham died September 14, 1998.

Admiral Peckham was awarded three Silver Stars during his Naval career:

1. Silver Star
Awarded for actions during the Second World War.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Commander George Edward Peckham (NSN: 0-70285), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. WALDRON (DD-699), in action against enemy forces in Japanese home waters, from 10 February to 4 March 1945. Skillfully maneuvering his ship in the darkness on 18 February, Commander Peckham rammed and destroyed an enemy picket boat attempting to penetrate the destroyer screen, thereby contributing materially to the protection of the Task Group and the resultant success of the operation. His professional skill and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

General Orders: Commander, 1st Carrier Task Force: Serial 0328 (April 8, 1945)
Action Date: February 10 - March 4, 1945
Service: Navy
Rank: Commander
Company: Commanding Officer
Division: U.S.S. Waldron (DD-699)

2. Silver Star
Awarded for actions during the Second World War.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] George Edward Peckham (NSN: 0-70285), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. SELFRIDGE (DD-357), in action against enemy Japanese forces off Vella Lavella, Solomon Islands, on the night of 6 - 7 October 1943. Assigned the hazardous task of intercepting and preventing an attempt by hostile forces to evacuate beleaguered Japanese troops from the area, Commander Peckham fearlessly sought out and engaged nine enemy ships, closing immediately to 7,000 yards and delivering a devastating torpedo attack followed by accurate and effective gunfire. When the other two vessels of his small squadron were severely damaged in the furious battle and compelled to withdraw, he courageously continued directing the gallant efforts of his ship until the enemy was repulsed and, although the heavily damaged SELFRIDGE was in danger of capsizing and sinking, he and his heroic crew worked tirelessly in the efficient execution of damage control measures and brought the ship safely to port. By his expert tactical knowledge and inspiring leadership in the face of overwhelming odds, Commander Peckham greatly contributed to the sinking of one or more hostile vessels and the damaging of three others.

General Orders: Commander South Pacific: Serial 002452-002453 (November 18, 1943)
Action Date: October 6 - 7, 1943
Service: Navy
Rank: Commander
Company: Commanding Officer
Division: U.S.S. Selfridge

3. Silver Star
Awarded for actions during the Second World War.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander George Edward Peckham (NSN: 0-70285), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Operations Officer on the Staff of the Commander of a Destroyer Squadron in action against enemy Japanese forces during World War II. During a fierce, prolonged engagement with numerically superior hostile surface units, Commander Peckham rendered invaluable services by skillfully evaluating the tactical situation and accurately transmitting the orders of his Squadron Commander, despite persistent and determined heavy enemy gunfire. His expert professional ability and sound judgment contributed materially to the success of our forces in this vital action and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

General Orders: Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 2590 (August 17, 1943)
Action Date: 1943
Service: Navy
Rank: Commander
Company: Operations Officer on the Staff of the Commander
Division: Destroyer Squadron

(Cresco, Iowa had the distinction of having five admirals come from their community. On May 30, 1994, the 50th Anniverary of World War II, Cresco was designated a World War II Commemorative Community by the Department of Defense. A special ceremony was conducted by the VFW and the American Legion Club in recognition of this honor. During the ceremony the VFW received a Commemorative Community Certificate of Designation, the distinctive World War II Commemoration Flag, and the official United States of American 50th Anniversary of WW II Commemoration Lapel Pin.

Cresco is proud of the brave men and women who sacrificed so much for our country so that we might live in peace today. A monument to our veterans has been erected in Courthouse Square.


CRESCO'S FIVE ADMIRALS
Vice Admiral FRANK J. LOWRY • Rear Admiral MICHAEL J. MALANAPHY • Rear Admiral ARTHUR T. MOEN • Rear Admiral WALLIS F. PETERSEN • Rear Admiral GEORGE E. PECKHAM.))