With more than 55 years of combined military and civilian service, Peter Morakon was known as the resident expert on parachute systems for the 25 years he served as a test officer for the Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate.  Enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1949, Morakon saw duty both stateside and overseas as a squad leader, platoon sergeant, intelligence sergeant, company first sergeant, and command sergeant major.  he served in engineer, infra nty, and special forces units and was awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with V device and one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Silver Star, and Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Bronze Star.

He planned, executed, and reported on more than 40 operational tests on key systems, to include the MC1-1C Personnel Parachute System, Tandem Bundle System, Cybernetic Parachute Release System, Advanced Combat Helmet, Universal static line, Parachute Oxygen Mask, Special Operation Forces Demolition Kit, and the Modified Improved Reserve  Parachute System.  Morakon was responsible for developing procedures and techniques that are still in use by the XVIII Airborne Corps, and his extensive knowledge and experience are recognized throughout the Department of Defense.

Continuing to apply his skills as a military parachutist until he retired as a Department of the Army civilian test officer at 78, Morakon completed more than 1,000 static line parachute jumps and 4,405 military free fall jumps over his military and civilian careers.  he led by example as a trainer, coach, and mentor to military and civilian test officers alike, earning him the Meritorious Civilian Service Award, Achievement Medal for Civilian Service, Special Forces St. Phillip Neri Gold Medal, Special Forces Hall of Fame induction, and Fort Bragg Lifetime Achievement Award.