Willard Pearson
Willard Pearson | |
|---|---|
 BG Pearson briefs troops before Operation Eagle Bait, 1966 | |
| Born | July 4, 1915 |
| Died | March 6, 1996 (aged 80) |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1938–1973 |
| Rank |  Lieutenant General |
| Commands | 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division V Corps |
| Battles / wars | World War II Vietnam War |
| Awards | Distinguished 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
[edit]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
[edit]Vietnam War
[edit]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
[edit]He served as commander of V Corps from 14 February 1971 to 31 May 1973 when he retired from the Army.
Later life
[edit]He served as superintendent of the Valley Forge Military Academy and College from 1973 to 1985.
Personal life
[edit]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
[edit]
This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Army Center of Military History.
- ^ "TURKISH BADGE RECIPIENT". Connellsville Daily Courier. Connellsville Daily Courier. Retrieved 10 October 2018.
- ^ "The George Washington University President's Report 1989"". George Washington University. George Washington University. Retrieved 10 October 2018.
- ^ Stanton, Shelby (2011). Rangers at War: LRRPs in Vietnam. Random House Publishing Group. ISBN 9780307789822.
- ^ Birtle, Andrew (2006). U.S. Army Counterinsurgency and Contingency Operations Doctrine: 1942-1976. Government Printing Office. p. 375. ISBN 9780160729607.
- ^ a b "Reporting America at War Ward Just: Reconnaissance". PBS. Retrieved 5 April 2018.
- ^ "Page 35". The Philadelphia Inquirer. The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved 10 October 2018.
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