Learn more about key leadership within the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
Learn more about the history of the Department of Military & Veterans Affairs.
State Tuition Assistance Program
Learn more about a career with the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
Search is currently unavailable. Please try again later.
The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
LeRoy Pearson served as the Adjutant General for the State of Michigan from 1943 to 1948.
Born October 12, 1884 in Sanilac County, Pearson graduated from Sandusky High School and attended Dean Business College. He enlisted in the Port Huron unit of the Michigan National Guard in 1904 where he rose to the rank of First Sergeant.
In 1908, he was appointed First Lieutenant. Upon assuming command of Company C, 33rd Michigan Infantry in 1912, Pearson was promoted to Captain. As commander, and as assistant chief of staff of the 117th Provisional Division, he served on the Mexican Border from June 1916 to March 1917.
Recalled to Federal service, he was detailed as assistant chief of staff of the 32nd Infantry Division, in Texas, in the summer of 1917. Pearson sailed for France with the advance party of the division in January 1918. The division saw service in the occupation of the Alsace Sector, the Aisne-Marne Offensive, the Oise-AIsne Offensive, and in the Muese-Argonnel Offensive. For his gallantry in action at Juvigny, France, in 1918, Pearson was awarded the Silver Star. He also received the French Croix-de-Guerre. After attending Army General Staff College and serving with the Army of Occupation in France, Pearson was released from active duty.
Pearson was promoted to Major and appointed as the Quartermaster General of Michigan in December 1919. Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 1922, he served with the 32nd Division as the G-4 and then chief of staff.
Following completion of the G-4 course at the Army War College, Pearson was promoted to Colonel. In January 1943, he was appointed Adjutant General of Michigan and State Director of Selective Service. He received his promotion to Brigadier General in March of that year.
