Willard Pearson

Willard Pearson 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.

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
Commands held1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division
V Corps
Battles/warsWorld War II
Vietnam War
AwardsDistinguished Service Medal
Silver Star

Early life and education

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

Vietnam War

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

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

Later life

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

Personal life

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

 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. "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.
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