Richard Pierce

Richard Alfred Pearce was a member of the Spring Class of 1950 of Abraham Lincoln High School in San Francisco.

        He was born on October 17, 1933, in Stockton, California, to Alfred Jenkin Pearce and Danalah Delle (Peterson) Pearce. His father was born in England on January 12, 1905, and died on July 9, 1987, in Santa Clara County, California. His mother was born on August 18, 1909, in Stockton, California, and died December 18, 1969.

        He had one sister, Mary Louise, who was born on February 11, 1931, in Stockton, California, and married Bruce Lyle Moore. Mary Louise and Bruce had three sons: Richard Allen, Jeffrey Bruce, and George Alfred.

        After moving to San Francisco Richard and his sister enrolled in the San Francisco Unified School District. First, they attended Commodore Sloat Grammar School, then Aptos Junior High, and finally Abraham Lincoln High School. Mary Louise graduated from Lincoln in the Fall Class of 1948.

        During his senior year at Lincoln, Richard joined the U. S. Marine Reserve. He withdrew from school in 1950 to enlist as a regular with the U. S. Marine Corps. He completed his high school studies in the service by correspondence. After completing 10 weeks of training in San Diego, California, he was assigned to a station in Bremerton, Washington.

        While stationed in Washington, he married Delores Halvorson. One child, Daniel Richard, was born to this marriage. Daniel is one of three children born to Abraham Lincoln students who gave their lives in the service of their country. Daniel's two children, Justin Daniel and Bree Lynn, are two of the five grand children, who are such descendants. Daniel and his wife, Shannon Rae (Potter), live in Port Townsend. Washington, as does his mother, Delores.

        He remained in Bremerton for a year and a half, during which time he was promoted to corporal. This assignment followed by a 10-month tour of duty in Alaska and then assignment to Camp Pendleton, California, for advanced training prior to shipment overseas.

        He was ordered to Korea and subsequently assigned to Company G, 3rd Battalion, 7th Regiment, 1st Marine Division. He wrote his parents on July 17, 1953, that his unit had moved to the front to relieve Turkish (Brigade) troops on Outpost Berlin (Northeast of Panmumjom) and that he was doing patrol duty.

        Richard was declared a battle casualty and missing on July 19, 1953 - 8 days before the armistice went into effect on July 27, 1953.

        His body was recovered and initially interred in Korea. His remains were disinterred and returned to the United States. He was reinterred on June 8, 1954, at Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, San Mateo County, California, in Secton R, Grave #49.