Francis L. Pearson

First Lieutenant Francis Pearson was serving as a Ranger with the Army’s 1st Air Cavalry when his helicopter was hit by enemy fire. He stayed on the radio and continued to give his location. Other helicopters hearing the call for help responded and were able to rescue the remaining crew members due to his actions and disregard for his own personal safety. Pearson was killed upon impact.

Frank always looked out for the other guy. This made him an exceptional leader. As a Ranger, he had the ability to maneuver around the enemy and achieve the mission’s goals with minimal casualties.

“My brother raised me. He was dependable and always there. Every year members of Company D, 2/12 Battalion, 1968-69 meet in Missouri and they talk about my brother and how they were proud to have served with him. It has been 55 years, and they still respect him as a man and their leader,” recalled his brother, Kenneth Pearson.