Everson Pearsall

I was born and raised in Westfield, New Jersey, where my family has lived for over one hundred years. I enlisted in the Army on 24 June 1942 at Newark, New Jersey. I attended Aerial Gunnery School in Panama City, Florida. At Barksdale Field, I was top turrent gunner on a B-26. I graduated as a single engine pilot at Eagle Pass, Texas on October 1, 1943. Subsequently, I went to Fighter School in Sarasota, Florida and Tactical Reconnaissance School at Key Field, Mississippi.

I was sent to the CBI as a replacement pilot in April 1944 and was assigned to the 118^th TRS, 23^rd FG at Kweilin, China. I flew a number of different fields. After 81 missions, I finished my tour of duty in China as “A” flight leader.

My most memorable experience was when, returning from Hong Kong with engine trouble at low altitude in a P-51, I was jumped by an Oscar only 100 yards behind. I was a sitting duck, but he never touched me. After a long burst, he was shot down by another pilot in my flight.

I left the service in October 1945 and joined my father in real estate and insurance business in November 1945 and retired January 1, 1982.

Click to hear Everson describe his experiences in his own words.