Farewell, Fearless Hero: America's Last WW2 Navy Fighter Ace Passes at 103

When I was young, World War 2 was still very fresh in the national memory. My Dad was a World War 2 veteran, as were all three of my uncles. Most of my friends' fathers were either World War 2 or Korean War veterans - sometimes both. But there are very few of those brave men left.

Now, there's one less. The last United States Navy fighter ace from World War 2 has gone to join his comrades. Donald McPherson, an F6F Hellcat pilot who flew off the aircraft carrier USS Essex, shot down five Japanese aircraft in air-to-air combat, earning him the title of "Ace" along with a Congressional Gold Medal (awarded in 2015) and three Distinguished Flying Crosses. On Saturday, news was released that Donald McPherson has passed away at the age of 103.

Donald McPherson, a World War II veteran considered the nation's last surviving "ace" pilot from the conflict, has died at the age of 103 in Nebraska.
While serving as a Navy fighter pilot of F6F Hellcat fighters aboard the USS Essex in the Pacific theater, McPherson shot down five Japanese planes — the minimum number required to be considered an "ace" pilot, The Associated Press reported.
Both the American Fighter Aces Association and the Fagen Fighters WWII Museum have recognized McPherson as the last surviving American ace pilot from the war, according to AP.

There are too few of these heroes left. And Donald McPherson was a hero:

His service during World War II earned him the Congressional Gold Medal — awarded to those who have made a significant impact on U.S. history and culture — as well as three Distinguished Flying Crosses, according to AP.

The F6F was a remarkable plane, as well. Earlier in the war, the Navy pilots struggled to match their Japanese counterparts with fighters like the F4F Wildcat and the F2A Buffalo, 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 in February of 1944, was assigned as an aviation cadet. He earned his commission and wings on August 12, 1944; after advanced aerial combat training and carrier training, and in due course, he was assigned to VF-83 and reported aboard the carrier USS Essex.

Ensign McPherson returned home after the war and was heavily involved in his community. In September 2024, McPherson was able to examine a restored F6F and took a flight in a restored two-seat SB2C Helldiver bomber.

The rest of his life passed as it should have - in peace.

After the war, McPherson returned home to Adams, Nebraska, and worked as a letter carrier. He helped establish youth baseball and softball leagues and served as a Scoutmaster, as well as in several community leadership roles.
The local ballfield was later named "McPherson Field" in recognition of him and his wife, AP reported.
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 strive to be worthy of you and your comrades in arms.

Editor's Note: Thanks to President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's leadership, the warrior ethos is coming back to America's military.

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