Runyon Peterson was a young American when the United States entered World War II. After graduating from high school in 1940, he enlisted in the military around 1942. Before his service, Peterson worked as a railroad fireman, maintaining the steam engines that powered locomotives. When he was interviewed for military placement in Minneapolis, his railroad experience initially led officials to assign him to the railroad corps. However, only a few days later, he found himself in the infantry.

Peterson completed his basic training at Camp Carson, Colorado, now known as Fort Carson, before being deployed overseas to Europe around 1942 or 1943. He served in the 89th Infantry Division and took part in the Allied advance through Europe. His story is one of many that reflect the experiences of soldiers who quickly adapted to the changing demands of the war. Listen as Runyon Peterson recalls his experiences during World War II.

(Edited and condensed from recorded interview)

Runyon Peterson recalls deploying to Europe around 1942-1943 as part of the 89th Infantry Division. He explains that he was not involved in the Normandy invasion, but arrived later, after the Battle of the Bulge, when he was assigned under General Patton.

He describes his unit’s advance through Europe, noting that he was in the lead tank when they reached the gates of Buchenwald concentration camp, with approximately 25 tanks in total. He remembers that SS forces had already fled and mentions their identifying tattoos.

Reflecting on General Patton, he characterizes him as intense and unconventional, often delivering fiery and profane pep talks to motivate troops. He recalls a moment when German aircraft strafed their position and Patton stood at the front lines, firing his pistols and shouting defiantly.

Runyon also recounts a well-known line attributed to Patton, emphasizing his aggressive philosophy of warfare, not to die for one’s country, but to make the enemy die for theirs.

Today, Peterson’s story is remembered at the Veterans Park in Valley City, where he is honored alongside many other local men and women who served. His experience represents just one of the many lives shaped by the war–each name in the park telling its own story of service and sacrifice.

These collective stories are part of why Valley City holds the designation as North Dakota’s only World War II Heritage City. Despite its small population, the community contributed an extraordinary number of service members during the war, ranking remarkably high on a per capita basis, even at the National level. The park stands not only as a tribute to individuals like Runyon Peterson, but as a lasting reminder of a community’s outsized role in one of history’s most significant conflicts.