George Pearson: An Elvis Welcome Home

By Marilyn Lucas, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interview Volunteer

SP4 George Pearson graduated from Lake View high school in Chicago where he met his lifelong partner of 52 years, Rena.  Shortly after George and Rena were married in 1967 he received his notice from the draft board. As of 1965 (Lyndon Johnson’s presidency) marriage did not save you from the draft but having children would secure your place at home. Had George’s son Richard been born just a few weeks earlier, he would not have had to serve in Vietnam. It was an era of changing draft laws due to the shortage of manpower to support the war in Vietnam.

After attending basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, George was sent to Fort Polk for infantry training. He mastered the rifle for which he later received the army marksmanship medal. He arrived in Vietnam in January 1968 to join his unit as a replacement for CO, a 4th Infantry Division. We all remember the movie Forrest Gump. Forrest Gump was a REPLACEMENT. We learned in the movie the word signified the death of one of our soldiers in Vietnam and the need to REPLACE him. 

In his own words, “On January 28 after arriving just outside of Kon Tum City while under heavy fire I was pushed out of a helicopter about 8 to 10 feet above ground landing in a cornfield right in the middle of the largest, best-coordinated major Tet Offensive of the war. Bullets were whizzing past my ears as I hugged the ground firing in all directions, it was hell!“

While on patrol in Kon Tum, George experienced heavy mortar attacks from the Viet Cong. The US Air Force was also making air strikes, but unfortunately, the US Troops were also exposed to the numerous napalm drops. The constant noise of helicopters, use of Claymore mines, hand grenades, and M-16 machine guns had a lasting effect on our boys while they humped hills in Dakota. As George mentioned, in many cases there was no choice but to lay in the rain and mud all night surrounded by red ants and leeches on your body.

No doubt, many young men celebrated their 21st birthday in Vietnam. George was lucky enough to have a lieutenant who allowed him to celebrate at the NCO club that night. George, being grateful, willingly shared his liquor with the lieutenant and others. I suspect not too many young men can relate to this experience today. Another anecdote George shared was the night vision goggles. Evidently, these goggles serve multiple purposes.  Not only were they able to seek out the enemy, but also it provided them the ability to watch the Vietnamese women bathe at night in the river. 

Kon Tum, located in the central highlands of Vietnam was home to the Montagnards (a French  word meaning Mountain dwellers).  Most of these indigenous people were Christian. They were heavily aligned with the republic of Vietnam along with American and Australian allies. They served as invaluable guides and shared intelligence with the US forces.  While ferocious warriors, they were also known to be extremely kind. The women would often wash the clothing for the GIs. George recalls one of the men pulling a leech off his back showing great concern over his well-being. One of the most interesting photographs George shared shows the gifts he received from the Montagnards. It was not uncommon for them to give items of battle to the American soldiers as a thank you for their support and kindness. The crossbows were handmade along with the arrows. The cases for both the arrows and the knives were handcrafted. A camouflage blanket gift served to protect from rain while at the same time being a comforter for sleep.

Among the many medals George received one was the ARMY COMMENDATION MEDAL with “V” DEVICE FOR HEROISM. As wounded personnel were brought in for treatment, private first class Pearson placed heavy fire on the enemy to protect the wounded soldiers. With complete disregard for his safety, he constantly exposed  himself to keep a base of fire on the enemy, causing them to withdraw after suffering numerous casualties. His personal bravery in the face of the enemy aided in the repulsion of the enemy attack. This took place in the Republic of Vietnam. He also received the Army Commendation Medal  (1st Oak Leaf Cluster) while serving as rifleman. His unrelenting loyalty, initiative, and perseverance brought him wide acclaim and inspired others to strive for maximum achievement. A true example to all.

One of the more positive things that happened during Vietnam were the photographs taken by the Chicago Tribune. The Tribune would take a family photo which was given both to the family and to the service man. George carried that photo in his wallet throughout his service in Vietnam. He currently has it safely stored in his safety deposit box to maintain its integrity. George’s family was extremely supportive of his time in Vietnam. He relayed a story how his father would have everyone sit down on Friday evening and make a package to send to him each week. He acknowledged how those efforts of his family helped maintain his spirits. He also made it a point to share his package with fellow servicemen that didn’t always receive something from home.

George spent a total of one year in Vietnam. He was hospitalized upon his return with malaria. He also showed signs of PTSD. He was diagnosed with type two diabetes which was not uncommon among veterans exposed to Agent Orange and other chemicals during the Vietnam War.

After returning to Chicago, George and Rena had another son named David and later two grandchildren. He went on to work as a machinist with Hudson Screw Machine where he worked as a foreman. In his later years he worked at the Deerfield schools as an engineer. He is currently retired and still living in Chicago. George is very active in the VFW Niles Memorial Post 3579. 

While so many of our Vietnam vets did not receive a welcome home, Rena, George’s wife made sure he was greeted properly. She had managed to secure tickets to the Elvis Presley concert in Chicago. She was determined his return home would be celebrated in grand style. Once again George, the Chicago Honor Flight says “welcome home”.

George, thank you for your years of service to our country. Enjoy your day of honor as you experience Washington DC for the first time.