America’s Last WW2 Navy Fighter Ace Passes at 103 – RedState
When I was young, the Second World War was still very cool in the national memory. My father was a veteran of the Second World War, just like my three uncles. Most fathers of my friends were either the Second World War, or the veterans of the Korean War – sometimes both. But there are very little of these courageous men.
Now there is one less. The last ace of the United States of the Second World War went to join his comrades. Donald McPherson, an F6F Hellcat driver who stole the aircraft carrier USS Essex, killed five Japanese planes in an air fight in the air, making him the title of Ace “with a Congress gold medal (awarded in 2015) and three flying crosses. News on Saturday, News was published that Donald McPherson died at the age of 103.
Donald McPherson, a veteran of the Second World War, considered the last surviving “ACE” pilot of the country, died at the age of 103 in Nebraska.
While being a fighter pilot of the F6F Hellcat Fighters navy aboard the USS Essex in the Pacific Theater, McPherson killed five Japanese planes – the minimum number must be considered as an “ACE” pilot, reported the Associated Press.
The American Fighter Aces Association and the Fagen Fighters Wwii Museum recognized McPherson as the last US driver surviving war, according to AP.
There are too little of these heroes left. And Donald McPherson was a hero:
His service during the Second World War earned him the Congress gold medal – awarded to those who had a significant impact on American history and culture – as well as three distinguished flight crosses, according to AP.
The F6F was also a remarkable plane. Earlier in the war, the pilots of the Navy had trouble matching their Japanese counterparts with fighters like the F4F Wildcat and the Buffalo F2A, but with the advent 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 February 1944, was awarded as a cadet of aviation. He won his commission and his wings on August 12, 1944; After advanced training in air combat and carriers training, and in due time, he was assigned to VF-83 and reported on board the USS Essex carrier.
The McPherson brand returned home after the war and was strongly involved in its community. In September 2024, McPherson was able to examine a restored F6F and took a flight in a SB2C Helldiver bomber restored to two places.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MU187EV3RZQ
The rest of his life has passed as he should have – in peace.
After the war, McPherson returned home to Adams, Nebraska, and worked as a letter holder. He helped establish baseball and softball leagues for young people and was a scout master, as well as in several community leadership roles.
The local ball field was then appointed “McPherson Field” in recognition of him and his wife, reported AP.
He is survived by his daughters Beth and Donna, a son, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, according to the National Wwii Museum.
RIP, Ensign McPherson. America will continue to endeavor to be worthy of you and your fellow arms.
Note from the editorial staff: thanks to the leadership of President Trump Trump and the Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, warrior ethics returns to the American soldiers.
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