[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 156 (Saturday, November 8, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2240]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF THE LIFE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF AIR FORCE SERGEANT 
                          WILLIAM ROY PEARSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CHARLES F. BASS

                            of new hampshire

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 7, 1997

  Mr. BASS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding 
American, Air Force Sergeant William Roy Pearson, a member of the elite 
Maroon Berets of the 37th Air Rescue, who died with six other 
servicemen when his helicopter was shot down during a rescue mission in 
Vietnam in 1972. Missing in action for 25 years, Sgt. Pearson was 
recently returned home to New Hampshire and his family to be buried in 
his hometown of Webster.
  In a time when the word hero is used to describe sports stars or 
movie actors, Sgt. Pearson stands out as a real-life hero. Like all 
true heroes, he rose to meet his challenges with a quiet courage. This 
brave young man, shot down just 12 days before his 21st birthday, 
earned in his short lifetime, a Silver Star, a Purple Heart and two 
Distinguished Flying Crosses. He and his squadron are credited with 
helping to rescue 116 servicemen. And he was a hero until the end--Sgt. 
William Pearson died while trying to save the life of a downed airman.
  I read the comments of another New Hampshire soldier who had trained 
and served with Sgt. Pearson and I want to share his thoughts with you. 
He said that he wasn't surprised that his friend died while trying to 
save another solider, stating: ``Billy Pearson didn't just decide that 
he was going to be a hero that day. It was the result of a strong 
family heritage and a loving home where he developed into a young man 
with a courageous spirit.''
  Mr. Speaker, I honor that selfless, courageous spirit today. I ask 
that you join his family, friends, fellow soldiers and all the people 
of the Granite State in honoring the life and heroic efforts of Sgt. 
William Pearson. For too long, New Hampshire had lost one of her 
bravest sons, and we are very grateful to have him back.

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