Background
Pearson, Willard was born on July 4, 1915 in West Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, United States. Son of John Alfred and Mary Catherine (Mehrmann) Pearson.
Pearson, Willard was born on July 4, 1915 in West Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, United States. Son of John Alfred and Mary Catherine (Mehrmann) Pearson.
Student, Douglass Business College, 1935. Master of Science, Columbia University, 1953. Postgraduate, Army War College, 1957.
Postgraduate in management, University Pittsburgh, 1962. Master of Arts, George Washington University, 1963.
Commissioned Second lieutenant, United States Army Reserve, 1936; advanced through grades to Lieutenant general, United States Army, 1971; commanding general 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, Vietnam, 1966-1967; J3, USMACV, Saigon, 1967-1968; director individual training ODCSPER, Headquarters Department Army, Washington, 1968-1969; commanding general, Fort Lewis, Washington, 1969-1971; commanding general, V Corps United States Army Europe, 1971-1973; superintendent, Valley Forge Military Academy and Junior College, Wayne, Pennsylvania, 1973-1985.
Member Franklin Institute, Philadelphia Orchestra Association, Friends Independence National History Park. Board advisors Vietnam Veterans Memorial Institute. Trustee Chapel of 4 Chaplains, executive committee, 1984-1987.
Board directors Citizens Crime Commission Philadelphia. Member Accuracy in Media, American Legion, American Security Council, Association United States Army, Council for Inter-American Security, Military Order World Wars, National Association Uniformed Services, 101st Airborne Division Association, Olympia Association, Navy League, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Reserve Officers Association, National Sojourners Inc., Beta Gamma Sigma. Clubs: Pennsylvania Lodges: Masons (33 degree), Shriners (knight Commander court honor).
Married Reba E. Barton, September 12, 1947. Children: Richard Barton, Joan Louise, Patricia Jean.