US’s last surviving second world war flying ‘ace’ dies aged 103
Donald McPherson, the United States' final surviving World War II ace, died at age 103. The former Navy fighter pilot earned five aerial victories, a Congressional Gold Medal and multiple Distinguished Flying Crosses, and later became a community leader in Nebraska.
Donald McPherson, recognized as the United States' last surviving World War II flying ace, passed away on 14 August at the age of 103. His death marks the end of a living link to the generation of pilots who achieved "ace" status by downing at least five enemy aircraft in aerial combat. McPherson’s combat record, post‑war honors and decades of community service are now part of the historical record.
Combat service in the Pacific theater
Born in 1923, McPherson enlisted in the U.S. Navy at 18, just months after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. After an intensive 18‑month training program, he was assigned to Fighter Squadron VF‑83, operating the Grumman F6F Hellcat from the aircraft carrier USS Essex. During the final years of the war, McPherson flew multiple missions against Japanese forces in the Pacific, culminating in five confirmed aerial victories that qualified him as an ace.
One of his most cited engagements occurred when he shot down two Japanese planes in a single sortie. According to a video interview recorded by the Fagen Fighters WWII Museum, McPherson described spotting two enemy aircraft converging on his flight path. He dove, fired, and saw the first plane plunge into the sea. Executing a rapid wing‑over, he then engaged the second aircraft, using full throttle to position his Hellcat for a decisive burst that caused the enemy plane to explode. He later recounted a close‑call when a bullet hole was found a foot behind his seat, a reminder of how narrowly he escaped being shot down.
Honors and recognition
McPherson’s wartime achievements earned him the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the nation’s highest civilian honors, as well as three Distinguished Flying Crosses. Both the American Fighter Aces Association and the Fagen Fighters WWII Museum listed him as the last living American ace from the World War II era. His daughter, Beth Delabar, told the Beatrice Daily Sun that while she appreciated the public attention to his military record, her father preferred to be remembered as a man of faith and a devoted family member.
In later years, McPherson received additional commendations from veteran and civic organizations, reflecting both his combat legacy and his contributions to civilian life. The community of Adams, Nebraska, where he settled after the war, named a ballfield after him and his late wife, Thelma, acknowledging their long‑standing involvement in local sports and youth activities.
Life after the war
Following his discharge, McPherson returned to his family farm in Adams, Nebraska. He married Thelma in 1944, and together they raised a family rooted in faith and service. McPherson founded youth baseball and softball leagues, providing structured recreation for generations of local children. He also held leadership roles in the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, a Boy Scout troop, and his United Methodist church, embodying the citizen‑soldier ideal.
His community impact extended beyond organized groups. McPherson’s dedication to mentorship and volunteerism earned him respect across political and religious lines. The ballfield bearing his and Thelma’s names remains a gathering spot for games, tournaments and community events, symbolizing the couple’s lasting imprint on Adams.
Final honors and legacy
McPherson’s funeral was held on 19 August, drawing family, veterans, and local officials who paid tribute to his service and character. Three days prior, the Fagen Fighters WWII Museum honored him at its “Victory at Sea” event in Minnesota, describing his life as “amazing” and highlighting his wartime exploits alongside his post‑war civic contributions.
His passing closes the chapter on living American pilots who earned ace status in World War II, underscoring the importance of preserving oral histories before the last eyewitnesses fade. Museums, veteran groups and historians now rely on recorded interviews, photographs and personal artifacts to keep the stories of pilots like McPherson accessible to future generations.
Why it matters
McPherson’s death ends the living link to America’s World War II flying aces, making preservation of his story crucial for historical memory.
Key points
- Donald McPherson died at 103, the last surviving U.S. World War II ace
- He earned five aerial victories flying F6F Hellcats from the USS Essex
- Awards include the Congressional Gold Medal and three Distinguished Flying Crosses
- After the war he became a community leader in Adams, Nebraska, founding youth sports leagues
- His legacy is honored by veteran groups, museums and a local ballfield named after him
Frequently asked questions
What qualifies a pilot as a World War II ace?
A pilot must achieve at least five confirmed aerial victories against enemy aircraft during combat.
Which aircraft did Donald McPherson fly in combat?
He piloted the Grumman F6F Hellcat, a carrier‑based fighter used extensively in the Pacific theater.
What honors did McPherson receive for his service?
He was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, and recognition from veteran organizations as the last U.S. WWII ace.
How did McPherson contribute to his community after the war?
He started youth baseball and softball leagues, led local American Legion and VFW chapters, served in a Boy Scout troop and was active in his United Methodist church.
