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Willard Pearson

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Willard Pearson
BG Pearson briefs troops before Operation Eagle Bait, 1966
Born(1915-07-04)July 4, 1915
DiedMarch 6, 1996 (1996-03-07) (aged 80)
AllegianceUnited States of America
Service/branch United States Army
Years of service1938–1973
Rank Lieutenant General
Commands1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division
V Corps
Battles/warsWorld War II
Vietnam War
AwardsDistinguished Service Medal
Silver Star

Willard Pearson (July 4, 1915 – March 6, 1996) was a United States Army Lieutenant General who served as commander of the 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War and later as commander of V Corps.

Early life and education

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Pearson was born on July 4, 1915, and he was a native of West Elizabeth, Pennsylvania.[1] Pearson was a graduate of George Washington University.[2]

Military service

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Vietnam War

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In January 1966 BG Pearson took command of the 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division.[3] During his time in command of the 1st Brigade he advocated the use of semi-guerilla tactics of night operations and long range reconnaissance patrols, which were adopted by his subordinate Maj. David Hackworth who established Tiger Force.[4] These tactics involved "to probe as far into enemy territory as possible, make contact, then reinforce by helicopter."[5] Pearson was described as being "regarded with a mixture of respect and astonishment."[5]

Post Vietnam

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He served as commander of V Corps from 14 February 1971 to 31 May 1973 when he retired from the Army.

Later life

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He served as superintendent of the Valley Forge Military Academy and College from 1973 to 1985.

Personal life

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Pearson was married to Reba E Barton until his death.[6] 1973 Pearson was bestowed with the Commander's cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.

References

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Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Army Center of Military History.

  1. ^ "TURKISH BADGE RECIPIENT". Connellsville Daily Courier. Connellsville Daily Courier. Retrieved 10 October 2018.
  2. ^ "The George Washington University President's Report 1989"". George Washington University. George Washington University. Retrieved 10 October 2018.
  3. ^ Stanton, Shelby (2011). Rangers at War: LRRPs in Vietnam. Random House Publishing Group. ISBN 9780307789822.
  4. ^ Birtle, Andrew (2006). U.S. Army Counterinsurgency and Contingency Operations Doctrine: 1942-1976. Government Printing Office. p. 375. ISBN 9780160729607.
  5. ^ a b "Reporting America at War Ward Just: Reconnaissance". PBS. Retrieved 5 April 2018.
  6. ^ "Page 35". The Philadelphia Inquirer. The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved 10 October 2018.