Date: 4/30/2008
Rank: Captain
Branch: U.S. Army
Operation: Operation Iraqi Freedom
Pearson, 32, of Billings, Mont., was killed April 30 in Baghdad when his vehicle struck an explosive. He was assigned to Fort Hood.
Pearson began his third 15-month tour abroad in March, having served an earlier tour in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. “Capt.
Pearson was special,” Maj. Gen. Randy Mosley said. “He made an extraordinary sacrifice.”
During the first tour, to Afghanistan, he worked in supply. It was essential work, but Pearson felt he wasn’t doing enough, said his father, Ron.
The second tour, when Pearson served in Iraq, he felt more useful but still believed he was behind a desk too much. This tour, Pearson would lead his men into battle.
“On his last tour, his wish was granted,” Pearson said.
He is survived by his wife, Jon Marie, and four children, Danny, Gaby, Cheyenne and Kristopher.