Americas Last WW2 Navy Fighter Ace Passes at 103

When I used to be younger, World War 2 was still very recent in the national reminiscence. My Dad was a World War 2 veteran, as had been all three of my uncles. Most of my buddies’ fathers had been either World War 2 or Korean War veterans – sometimes both. But there are very few of those courageous males left.

Now, there’s one less. The last United States Navy fighter ace from World War 2 has gone to be part of his comrades. Donald McPherson, an F6F Hellcat pilot who flew off the plane service USS Essex, shot down 5 Japanese plane in air-to-air fight, incomes him the title of (*103*) along with a Congressional Gold Medal (awarded in 2015) and three Distinguished Flying Crosses. On Saturday, news was launched that Donald McPherson has handed away at the age of 103.

Donald McPherson, a World War II veteran thought-about the nation’s last surviving “ace” pilot from the battle, has died at the age of 103 in Nebraska.

While serving as a Navy fighter pilot of F6F Hellcat fighters aboard the USS Essex in the Pacific theater, McPherson shot down 5 Japanese planes — the minimal quantity required to be thought-about an “ace” pilot, The Associated Press reported.

Both the American Fighter Aces Association and the Fagen Fighters WWII Museum have acknowledged McPherson as the last surviving American ace pilot from the warfare, according to AP.

There are too few of these heroes left. And Donald McPherson was a hero:

His service during World War II earned him the Congressional Gold Medal — awarded to those who have made a vital impression on U.S. historical past and tradition — as nicely as three Distinguished Flying Crosses, according to AP.

The F6F was a exceptional aircraft, as nicely. Earlier in the warfare, the Navy pilots struggled to match their Japanese counterparts with fighters just like the F4F Wildcat and the F2A Buffalo, but with the appearance of the F4U Corsair and the F6F Hellcat, the shoe was on the other foot.

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Donald McPherson entered the Navy in January 1943 and in February of 1944, was assigned as an aviation cadet. He earned his commission and wings on August 12, 1944; after superior aerial fight training and service training, and in due course, he was assigned to VF-83 and reported aboard the service USS Essex. 

Ensign McPherson returned home after the warfare and was closely concerned in his neighborhood. In September 2024, McPherson was ready to study a restored F6F and took a flight in a restored two-seat SB2C Helldiver bomber.

The relaxation of his life handed as it ought to have – in peace.

After the warfare, McPherson returned home to Adams, Nebraska, and labored as a letter service. He helped set up youth baseball and softball leagues and served as a Scoutmaster, as nicely as in a number of neighborhood management roles. 

The local ballfield was later named “McPherson Field” in recognition of him and his spouse, AP reported.

He is survived by his daughters Beth and Donna, a son, as nicely as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, according to the National WWII Museum.

RIP, Ensign McPherson. America will continue to attempt to be worthy of you and your comrades in arms.

Editor’s Note: Thanks to President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s management, the warrior ethos is coming back to America’s army.

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