Second Lieutenant
Peter Gonsalves
2LT Gonsalves is a Fire Control Platoon Leader and the Tactical Control Officer for Crew 2 with the E-3 Air Defense Artillery, 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade. As launcher platoon leader, 2LT Gonsalves spearheaded an aggressive training plan preparing 16 Soldiers for the Defense of Guam mission resulting in all launcher personnel and crews receiving a first time ‘GO’ for all Table VIII Evaluations. Additionally, the Prepare for Movement and Emplacement Crews set the standard with four out of five crews attaining perfect scores and record times during their drill evaluation. As Crew 2 Tactical Control Officer, 2LT Gonsalves’ leadership and tactical prowess was instrumental to the overall success of Operation Orient Express and Operation Iron Island. 2LT Gonsalves’ determination and dedication to the mission is further exemplified with his crew winning the Golden Coconut for achieving the greatest overall performance during the 2021 Table VIII evaluations, scoring a 98 percent on both the written test and ABM crew certifications. 2LT Gonsalves was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He commissioned as an Air Defense Artillery Officer in 2020, from the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point. After completion of the Air Defense Basic Officer Leaders Course (BOLC), 2LT Gonsalves completed the THAAD Follow-On Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. In his first assignment, he served as the Launcher Platoon Leader before moving to serve in his current role. 2LT Gonsalves’ additional military education includes the Army Air Assault school. His civilian education includes a Bachelor of Science in International History from the United States Military Academy at West Point. 2LT Gonsalves’ awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Air Assault Badge.
Click here to view all the awardees from the 2021 Guam Missile Defender of the Year Award Ceremony.
