North Georgia's Vietnam casualties remembered
Issue date: 3/12/10 Section: News
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Roy Lynwood Murphy
Name: Roy Lynwood Murphy
Date of Birth: Feb. 13, 1944
Years at NGCSU: 1962-1963
Began Tour in Vietnam: Unknown
Date of Death: May 29, 1965
Roy Lynwood Murphy was born in Moultrie to Mr. and Mrs. Roy C. Murphy. He grew up with two brothers on a cattle farm and helped raise cattle with his father. Murphy won contests showing cattle and his dream was to raise them and be near his family.
Upon graduating high school, Murphy enrolled North Georgia College, where he was a member of Alpha Company. He attended North Georgia for only one year before leaving and enlisting in the Marine Corps.
While in Vietnam, Murphy served in Mike Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division. His company's task was to keep the area around the Chu Lai airstrip secure. On May 29, 1965 he was killed during a patrol mission.
According to Nick Wiltse, a friend and fellow Marine, Murphy stood up, exposing himself to gunfire and returned fire, hoping to protect his squad mates.
He was awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.
John Rudolph Pearson
Name: John Rudolph Pearson
Date of Birth: April 27, 1934
Years at NGCSU: 1962-1965
Began Tour in Vietnam: July 6, 1966
Date of Death: Aug. 17, 1966
John Rudolph Pearson began attending North Georgia College in 1962. He was a member "Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities," active in Sigma Theta, NCO Club, Officer's Club and Scabbard and Blade.
He also was president of the sophomore class, a member of the Pan-Hellenic Council and the Band Company Commander. He received a B.S. Degree in Business Administration.
After graduation, Pearson entered the Army Special Forces. He began his tour in Vietnam July 6, 1966. While overseas, he was promoted to major and moved into the detachment executive officer position in Detachment B-25 of the 5th Special Forces Group, which operated around Duc Co in Pleiku Province, South Vietnam.
On Aug. 17, 1966 Pearson was killed by an explosion during an enemy attack. For his service he was awarded the Purple Heart, National Defense, Vietnam Service, and Vietnam Campaign medals.
Information about Roy Lynwood Murphy collected by Daniel Sarratt.
Information about John Rudolph Pearson collected by Clay Comer.
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