History of Space Command in Colorado Springs: Timeline
Written on the bottom of this print: “28PR / 10 Oct 43 / 24 / Leaving for train at Peterson Fld.” Peterson Field began as Colorado Springs Army Air Base. In December 1942, base officials changed the name to Peterson Army Air Base to honor a fallen airman, 1st Lt. Edward J. Peterson, according to a history posted on Peterson Air Force Base’s website. Peterson was the first Coloradan killed in a flying accident at the airfield. The base was frequently referred to as Peterson Field or simply Pete Field. It was renamed Peterson Air Force Base in 1976.
Source: gazette.com