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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.
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The American Fighter Aces Association and the Fagen Fighters Wwii Museum recognized McPherson as the last US driver surviving war, according to AP.
The representative Adrian Smith salutes the recipient of the gold medal of the Donald McPherson Congress in 2015. (Béatrice Daily Sun via AP)
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.
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“When everything is done and Papa lists the things he wants to be recalled for … His first thing would be that he is a man of faith,” said McPherson’s daughter, Beth Delabar, in News Outlet Beatrice Daily Sun, who reported his death on August 14.
Veterans of the Second World War Orval Legget, on the left, Frank Smith, Keith Goman, Donald McPherson and Donavan Diller. (Christina Lyons / Beatrice Daily Sun via AP)
In 1942, McPherson enlisted in the navy at 18 years old. Two years later, after finishing the flight program, he married his wife Thelma, according to AP.
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McPherson’s daughter Donna Mulder said her father had thought about the moments of the war that let him feel: “Maybe God has not finished with me.”
A taxis F6F Hellcat of the First World War after landing at Matthert airport in Rancho Cordova, California, Friday October 4, 2019. (AP photo / Rich Pedroncelli)
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.
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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.
