Cresco’s Five Admirals

Cresco is very proud of its veterans. We are a community, which has provided more than its share of men and women who have served our country in the Armed Services.

On May 30, 1994, the 50th Anniversary of WWII 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 WWII Commemorative Flag, and the official United States of America 50th Anniversary of WWII Commemorative 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 is in the Courthouse square.

Frank J. Lowry graduated from the Naval Academy in 1911. He was part of the Atlantic patrol during WWI and was in command of the Cruiser Minneapolis in 1940. Admiral Lowry also commanded the invasions of Salerno and Anzio (Italy). After WWI ended, Admiral Lowry commanded Mare Island Naval Base in Vallejo, California. Admiral Lowry died in 1955.

George E. Peckham was born in Cresco. 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 Komanorskie Islands and also served in
European-African and Philippine Liberation Theatres. George passed away September 14, 1998.

Wallis F. Petersen graduated from Cres-co High School and was a 1924 gradu-ate of the Naval Academy. During the span of his naval career Admiral Pe-tersen held executive offices aboard the USS Elliot. He was Commander of the USS Mustin when it rescued 337 survivors from the Hornet carrier. His career extended beyond war time tak-ing him to Norwalk, Virginia where he commanded the 5th Naval District. Admiral Petersen retired to Washington D.C. where he died June 23, 1991.

Arthur T. Moen was born in Cresco in 1894. He graduated from Cresco High School in 1912 and from the Naval Academy in 1917. During WWII he commanded over 300 ships and landed vessels in North Africa and Asia. He was responsible for transporting over 300,000 men without the loss of a ship. Arthur passed away September 1, 1962.

Michael J. Malanaphy was born in Cresco where he graduated from Cresco High School 1917. He later graduated from the Naval Academy in 1922. During WWII Admiral Malanaphy was Flotilla Com-mander of LCI’s in Taiwan, Guam, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. After many year of service he retired and returned to Cresco where he died February 18, 1990.