Background
Pederson, Gordon Roy was born on August 8, 1927 in Gayville, South Dakota, United States. Son of Roy E. and Gladys F. (Masker) Pederson.
military officer State Legislator
Pederson, Gordon Roy was born on August 8, 1927 in Gayville, South Dakota, United States. Son of Roy E. and Gladys F. (Masker) Pederson.
Student, Yankton College, 1948-1950; student, Florida State University, 1963; advanced course, Infantry School, 1958-1959.
Drafted United States Army, 1945-1947, commissioned 2nd lieutenant, 1952, advanced through grades to lieutenant colonel, 1967, served CONUS World World War II, platoon leader 17th infantry regiment, 7th infantry division Korea, 1953-1954, served Korean War, 1950-1954, rifle company commander 10th mountain division Germany, 1955-1958, instructor, director instruction United States Army Jungle Warfare Training Center Fort Sherman, Canal Zone, 1961-1963, Commander post Canal Zone, 1963-1964, 1st brigadier, 1st infantry division Vietnam, 1965—1966, director training headquarters G3, Fort Leonard Wood, 1966—1968. Advisor Ministry of National Defense, Republican China on Taiwan, 1969-1970. Retired United States Army, 1970.
Operator Elkton Restaurant Post, 1971—1978. Representative South Dakota House Representatives, Pierre, 1977—1999, 2001—2009, South Dakota State Representatives, 1977—1998, 2000—2008. Operator Dairy Queen, Wall, South Dakota, 1990-1995.
Chairman transportation committee South Dakota House Representatives, 1979-1993, vice chair state affairs committee, 1994-1998, vice chair commerce committee, 1998, chairman budget audit committee, 2001-2002, chairman transportation committee, since 2002. Executive board Legislation Research Council, 2002-2008.
Delaware South Dakota Republican Convention, 1974-1978, 80, 82, 84, 87-98, 2002-2004, 06, 08. Delegate National Republican Convention, 1976, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 2000, 04, 08. Board directors Legislation Research Council, 1988, 90, 92, 96, 98, 2001-2002, 05-08, vice chair, 2004-2006.
Member Veterans of Foreign Wars, DAV, American Legion, Retired Officers Association, Wall Chamber of Commerce, International Lions Club, Black Hills.
Married Betty L. Ballard, March 8, 1955. Children: James D., Carol A. Pederson Niemann, Nancy G. Pederson Holub, Gary W.