Remembering Donald McPherson, Last American World War II Ace Pilot
Guest Contributor
Donald McPherson, the last surviving American ace pilot from World War II, passed away on August 14, 2025, at the remarkable age of 103. As the final living link to a unique class of combat aviators, his death marks the end of a historic era. McPherson earned his place in history by shooting down five enemy planes during the war, a feat that granted him the title of “ace” pilot. His story is not only one of courage in the skies but also one of quiet dedication to faith, family, and community after the war. I found this detail striking: despite his wartime heroism, McPherson wanted to be remembered not for his combat record, but for his devotion to God and his loved ones.
McPherson’s journey began on January 5, 1943, when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy at just 20 years old. After completing his flight training in Corpus Christi, Texas, he joined Fighter Squadron 83 and was deployed to the Pacific Theater in 1945. He flew the Grumman F6F Hellcat, a fighter aircraft known for its durability and power, from the deck of the USS Essex during the intense Battle of Okinawa. His mission was to protect American ships from Japanese air attacks, a task that proved both perilous and vital.
One of his earliest experiences aboard the Essex underscored the danger he faced. On only his second night on the ship, a Japanese kamikaze pilot clipped the radar tower during an attack, a moment that left McPherson and his fellow aviators questioning what lay ahead. “This sure made us wonder what we had gotten ourselves in for,” he later recalled.
Despite the constant risk, McPherson quickly proved his skill and bravery. In one mission, he spotted two Japanese planes flying low over the water. He shot down the first and then executed a wingover — a maneuver that sent his plane into a steep climb before looping around — to engage the second. “By using full throttle, my Hellcat responded well, and I squeezed the trigger and [the second plane] exploded,” he said in a tribute video shared by the Fagen Fighters WWII Museum. The mission ended with his aircraft damaged and a bullet hole discovered just a foot behind his seat. “I did go home that day with a hole or two in my plane,” he recalled. “The plane captain said, ‘I see you picked up a little lead today.’”
By the end of the war, McPherson had shot down five enemy planes, officially making him an ace. His squadron was credited with destroying 220 Japanese aircraft in the air and 72 more on the ground. For his valor, McPherson received the Congressional Gold Medal and three Distinguished Flying Crosses. Yet, those who knew him say he never let these accolades define him.
After the war, McPherson returned to his home state of Nebraska and to his wife, Thelma Johnston, his high school sweetheart. The couple had married before he deployed, and together they raised four children. He built a life rooted in service to others, working as a farmer and a letter carrier. He also gave generously of his time to his community, participating in the Adams United Methodist Church, the Boy Scouts, and veterans’ organizations such as the American Legion and the VFW. He even helped establish local baseball and softball leagues, leaving a legacy of civic involvement that extended well beyond his military service.
McPherson’s daughter, Beth Delabar, shared that her father’s priorities were clear. “When it’s all done and Dad lists the things he wants to be remembered for… his first first thing would be that he’s a man of faith,” she told the Beatrice Daily Sun. This sentiment was echoed by many who knew him. His life was described as a “harmonious blend of hard work and passion,” a reflection of the values he carried both in war and in peace.
In his later years, McPherson remained connected to his past while also embracing the present. In 2024, he visited the Fagen Fighters WWII Museum, where he took a ride in a plane and shared stories of his wartime experiences. Photos from that day show him smiling, surrounded by admirers and family, a living testament to a generation that shaped the world through sacrifice and resilience.
The passing of Donald McPherson closes the chapter on the era of American World War II ace pilots. More than 1,000 U.S. aviators earned that distinction during the conflict, but McPherson was the last. His story serves as a reminder of the bravery required in moments of global crisis and the quiet strength it takes to return home and build a life of purpose. For those interested in World War II history, ace pilots, and the legacy of the Greatest Generation, McPherson’s life offers a powerful and moving example.
