Colonel Pierson Ellsworth Conradt was born in St. Louis, Missouri on January 13, 1900. He enlisted in the USMC in April 1917 and within a short time he became a drill Sergeant at Mare Island in California. He was discharged and appointed to the USNA in July 1918. In his 3rd year(1921) he received the gold USNA marksmanship badge for that year. Pierson graduated from the Academy in 1922 and then was appointed a second lieutenant in the USMC. Person won the Presidents Rifle Match at Camp Perry Ohio in 1922 and the Leech Cup Match in 1923. He earned his wings in Pensacola, Florida in 1926.
Pierson was stationed in China in 1927-28. By Sept. 28 he was on Guam until Dec. In June 1932 as a member of the fourth Marine brigade, he went to Nicaragua during the second Nicaraguan campaign and was there until January 33. From June 1942 until September 42 he was stationed in Samoa at which time he was promoted to Colonel. During early stages of World War II, he served first as a deputy commander at Cherry point and later the commanding officer of MCAS until June 45. After a tour of duty with FMF and AirFMFPAC on Oahu. Then Pierson returned to the US and became the chief of staff of AirFMFland until mid 1947 at which time he was transferred to the 1st MAW at El Toro.
Pierson was stationed in China in 1927-28. By Sept. 28 he was on Guam until Dec. In June 1932 as a member of the fourth Marine brigade, he went to Nicaragua during the second Nicaraguan campaign and was there until January 33. From June 1942 until September 42 he was stationed in Samoa at which time he was promoted to Colonel. During early stages of World War II, he served first as a deputy commander at Cherry point and later the commanding officer of MCAS until June 45. After a tour of duty with FMF and AirFMFPAC on Oahu. Then Pierson returned to the US and became the chief of staff of AirFMFland until mid 1947 at which time he was transferred to the 1st MAW at El Toro.