America’s last living World War II ace pilot has died, marking the end of an extraordinary chapter in our nation’s military history and the loss of a true American hero who embodied the values that made the Greatest Generation legendary.
Story Highlights
- Donald McPherson, America’s final surviving WWII ace pilot, died at age 103 on August 14, 2025.
- Navy fighter pilot credited with shooting down five enemy aircraft while serving aboard USS Essex in the Pacific.
- Earned Congressional Gold Medal and three Distinguished Flying Crosses for heroic service.
- Devoted postwar life to faith, family, and community service in Adams, Nebraska.
Last of America’s Flying Heroes
Donald McPherson’s death represents the final closing of a remarkable era in American military aviation.
Born in Adams, Nebraska, in 1922, McPherson enlisted in the U.S. Navy at just 18 years old in 1942, answering his nation’s call during its darkest hour.
By 1945, he was flying F6F Hellcat fighters from the deck of the USS Essex, engaging Japanese forces in the brutal Pacific theater where American pilots faced relentless kamikaze attacks.
McPherson achieved ace status by shooting down five enemy aircraft, a feat accomplished by fewer than 1,500 American pilots during the entire war. His combat missions included defending American radar picket destroyers near Okinawa during some of the most intense aerial combat of the Pacific campaign.
The technical skill and mental fortitude required to survive such engagements, let alone excel in them, speak to the exceptional caliber of men who served our nation during World War II.
Distinguished Service and Recognition
The Navy recognized McPherson’s extraordinary valor with the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest civilian honors in the United States, along with three Distinguished Flying Crosses for heroism in aerial combat. These awards reflect not just his skill as a pilot, but his courage under fire and dedication to protecting his fellow servicemen.
The American Fighter Aces Association officially recognized his status, cementing his place among America’s elite military aviators.
In 2021, at age 99, McPherson was honored at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and the Fagen Fighters WWII Museum, where he shared his experiences with younger generations. Aviation historians and museum curators emphasized the rarity and significance of ace pilots, noting McPherson’s composure and technical excellence during combat operations. His willingness to share his story helped preserve crucial military history for future Americans.
Legacy of Faith and Community Service
What truly distinguished McPherson was how he lived after the war ended. Returning to Adams, Nebraska, he dedicated himself to the values that conservatives hold dear: faith, family, and community service. He was active in Adams United Methodist Church, the American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars, demonstrating the kind of civic engagement that built strong American communities. His family remembers him not primarily for his military honors, but for his humility and dedication to serving others.
Greatest Generation Ever!! America’s last living ace pilot from World War II dies at age 103 https://t.co/TPH6mupyvG via @For God's Glory Alone Ministries
— Dewey Moede (@radiodewey) August 22, 2025
McPherson’s postwar life exemplified the character of the Greatest Generation – men and women who served their country in wartime and then quietly built the prosperous, stable America we inherited.
He married Thelma in 1944 and remained committed to traditional family values throughout his life. His daughters, Beth Delabar and Donna Mulder, emphasized that his greatest pride came from his faith and family relationships, not his wartime achievements.
Sources:
EAA – Ace Told His Story at AirVenture
Military Times Hall of Valor – Donald McPherson
Wikipedia – Donald M. McPherson
