Navy Fighter Pilot Donald McPherson Passes at 103 Years Old

The last surviving WWII “ace” has died at the age of 103, leaving behind a legacy of heroism and unwavering faith. Naval aviator Donald McPherson was recognized with a Congressional Gold Medal and three Distinguished Flying Crosses for his service.

McPherson enlisted in the Navy in 1943, once the service dropped its two-year college requirement for aviator training. He earned his commission and wings at Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1944, and was assigned to Fighter Squadron 83 aboard the USS Essex. In March 1945, he entered combat during the battle for Okinawa in the cockpit of a Grumman F6F Hellcat.

His first missions put him directly into kamikaze attacks against the fleet. On March 19, his Hellcat was hit by anti-aircraft fire, and a 20mm shell tore through the fuselage just behind his seat. He managed to bring the damaged aircraft back to Essex.

Over the following months, McPherson’s squadron logged more than 6,500 sorties and was credited with nearly 300 Japanese aircraft destroyed. McPherson personally shot down five, earning him the title of ace, including two Aichi Val dive bombers on April 6 and three Kawanishi floatplanes on May 5.

For his heroism, McPherson received three Distinguished Flying Crosses and was later awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. His career as an ace pilot was recognized by the American Fighter Aces Association and the Fagen Fighters WWII Museum, both confirming him as the last living American ace of the war.

After the war, McPherson returned to Adams, Nebraska, where he worked as a letter carrier. He was deeply involved in his community, helping organize youth baseball and softball leagues and serving as a scoutmaster. The town reportedly eventually named McPherson Field in recognition of his and his wife Thelma’s contributions.

McPherson remained active with his church, the American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars for decades. He is survived by two daughters, a son, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

FMI: www.navy.mil