In his military career, Colonel Herbert E. Pierpan served in the Marine Corps and in retirement, became a respected community figure in Scottsdale.
In an interview saved in the Library of Congress, he shared that his desire to serve in the military started early in his life.
“I was a young boy during the second World War, and I was always enthralled with soldiers and Marines and sailors and Airmen,” he says, “ I just made up my mind at that time that I was going to go into the service whether I made a career of it or not. I wanted to do a tour and do my part.”
And do his part, he did. Colonel Pierpan’s dedication to serving his country began when he graduated from Springfield College in 1961 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. His early years in the Marine Corps saw him assume various roles, from Platoon Commander to Battalion Assistant S-3 Officer, and he was promoted to First Lieutenant in December 1962. Colonel Pierpan’s commitment to duty led him to Vietnam not once but twice. In 1963, he deployed to Okinawa and later to the Republic of Vietnam, where he served with honor and distinction. His contributions were vital to the Corps, and he was promoted to Captain in October 1965.
He served as the Aide-de-Camp to the Commandant, Marine Corps Schools, Quantico, and later became a Company Commander in the First Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division. His promotion to Major in November 1968 marked another milestone in his military journey.
Education was also an essential aspect of Colonel Pierpan’s career. After graduate studies at the University of Virginia, he served as an Assistant Professor at the US Naval Academy, teaching Military Law and Leadership.
His journey continued with assignments at various prestigious institutions, including the Command and Staff College at Marine Corps Development and Education Command, where he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in November 1977. In August 1979, Colonel Pierpan attended the Army War College. Upon graduation, he assumed critical roles in national defense, including Senior Emergency Action Officer at the National Military Command Center J-3, Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Colonel Pierpan’s distinguished service culminated with his role as the Special Assistant and Marine Corps Aide to the Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable James H. Webb, Jr. His retirement from active duty in June 1988 marked the end of a remarkable military career.
However, Colonel Pierpan’s dedication to service didn’t stop there. He continued contributing to his community, working with defense contractors, and receiving awards like the Department of Virginia American Legion, Legionnaire of the Year Award, and the Fauquier County Citizen of the Year Award.
In 1999, Colonel Pierpan and his family relocated to Scottsdale, where he continued to make a significant impact. In August 2000, he became a Hearing Officer Judge in the Scottsdale City Court, demonstrating his commitment to upholding justice.
Furthermore, Colonel Pierpan’s passion for scouting and community involvement shines brightly. His achievements in the Boy Scouts of America, including the Silver Beaver and the National Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, showcase his dedication to youth and community service.