Peter Dorgas

1943-1945
WWII | KIA


Peter Dorgas was born Oct 22, 1924 and raised on Staten Island, NY. He lived at 118 Smith Place in Port Richmond. He attended PS 22 and Port Richmond High School on Staten Island.

As a child and teen he enjoyed playing baseball. He was a member of the Greek Orthodox Church on Victory Blvd/Richmond Ave on Staten Island.

Peter joined the U.S. Army on July 5, 1943. Being an only son, he was not obligated to serve. He took basic training at Camp Wheeler in Georgia for five months, then reported to Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, before going overseas. During his 18 months in the Pacific, Peter was in New Hebrides, New Caledonia, New Zealand, New Guinea, and the Netherlands East Indies. He served with the 31st Division.

Private First Class Peter Dorgas was killed in action on May 6, 1945 on Mindanao in the Philippine Islands. He was awarded a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Combat Infantryman Badge. His name is listed at the New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center. Smith Place was recently conamed Peter Dorgas Way.

Peter willingly gave his life for what he believed in. He was willing to make this sacrifice so that people could live peacefully in a free world.

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