America's last living WWII ace pilot dies at age 103
Donald McPherson, then a Navy fighter pilot, sits in the cockpit of his F6F Hellcat during World War II. McPherson, recognized as America’s last surviving WWII ace, died Aug. 14, 2025, at age 103. (National WWII Museum, New Orleans)
Donald McPherson, a Nebraska World War II veteran and the last surviving American "ace" pilot of the conflict, has died at age 103.
McPherson served as a Navy fighter pilot in the Pacific theater aboard the USS Essex and was credited with shooting down five Japanese aircraft — the threshold to be considered an "ace."
The American Fighter Aces Association and the Fagen Fighters WWII Museum confirmed he was the last living U.S. pilot with that distinction.
Who was Donald McPherson?
The backstory:
McPherson enlisted in the Navy in 1942 and trained as a pilot before flying the F6F Hellcat in combat. He was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal and three Distinguished Flying Crosses for his service.
He once described how, during a mission, he shot down two enemy planes in quick succession and returned to his aircraft carrier with a bullet hole just a foot behind his seat — an experience he later said made him feel "maybe God is not done with me."
America’s last surviving WWII ace
Big picture view:
McPherson’s death marks the end of an era in U.S. military history. To be considered an ace, pilots must have at least five confirmed aerial victories.
He was honored last weekend at the Fagen museum’s Victory at Sea event in Minnesota, where a video tribute featured his reflections on combat and survival.
What they're saying:
Despite his military accolades, McPherson’s family said he preferred to be remembered for his faith and devotion to his community.
"When it’s all done and Dad lists the things he wants to be remembered for … his first thing would be that he’s a man of faith," his daughter Beth Delabar told the Beatrice Daily Sun.
After the war, McPherson returned to his hometown of Adams, Nebraska, where he farmed and volunteered. He helped establish local baseball and softball leagues, served as a Scoutmaster, and held leadership roles in his church and veterans’ organizations.
The community later named its ballfield McPherson Field in honor of him and his wife Thelma, who ran the concession stand and kept score during games.
The Source: This report is based on information from the Beatrice Daily Sun, the American Fighter Aces Association, and the Fagen Fighters WWII Museum.