LTC Peter W.J. Onoszko, USA , Ret., of Charlestown, W.Va., died on March 17, 2024. He served as an Infantry Officer in the U.S. Army for 26 years. Onoszko was born on August 1, 1948 in Berlin, Germany, where his father, also a career Infantry Officer, was assigned. He graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy in 1966 and received a BA in History from the Citadel in 1970. He was a Fellow at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University as his Army Senior Service School assignment, and received a MA in History from American University.
Onoszko’s life-long love of history was prompted in large part by his distinguished Russian military lineage. One of his grandfathers, ultimately an Admiral, lost an eye while fighting the Japanese at the Battle of Port Authur during the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905. His other grandfather, a General fighting for the White Russians during the October Revolution of 1917, was murdered by the Bolsheviks while lying wounded in hospital. Onoszko was an ardent accumulator of militaria; he collected and read hundreds of books about innumerable events of military history, the more obscure the better; and he may well have been the world’s leading expert on the lives of the numerous soldier-saints recognized by his beloved Russian Orthodox Church.
While on active duty, Onoszko competed for many years in Dressage winning many awards and always resplendent wearing his DA-approved Class A uniform replete with jodhpurs, riding boots, and spurs. After retiring, he devoted much time to managing horse shows and serving as a Technical Delegate for the United States Dressage Federation. Retirement also took him into the world of dog shows, where his Grand Champion Wirehaired Dachshunds took Best-in-Show and over 30 Group placing at many events.
He is survived by his beloved wife and bold companion for over 49 years, Daniela; by his magnificent Dressage partner standing at 17.2 hands, Unlimited DG (aka Teddy); and by his Grand Champion Wirehaired Dachshunds, Red and Joey.