Donald McPherson scored five aerial victories in the Pacific and spent the eight decades after living a life of service.
McPherson served as a naval aviator during the war, flying a Grumman F6F Hellcat fighter over the Pacific theater. He died on Aug. 14, according to his family. A funeral for McPherson took place on Aug. 19 at his home town of Adams, Nebraska.
Eight decades ago, in the skies above the Pacific, Ensign McPherson was part of Flying Squadron 83 (VF-83). Over the course of just over a month, he scored five aerial kills, earning him “ace” status. According to the Fagens Fighters World War II Museum and the American Fighter Aces Association, he was the last living American pilot from the war.
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McPherson served as a naval aviator during the war, flying a Grumman F6F Hellcat fighter over the Pacific theater. He died on Aug. 14, according to his family. A funeral for McPherson took place on Aug. 19 at his home town of Adams, Nebraska.
Eight decades ago, in the skies above the Pacific, Ensign McPherson was part of Flying Squadron 83 (VF-83). Over the course of just over a month, he scored five aerial kills, earning him “ace” status. According to the Fagens Fighters World War II Museum and the American Fighter Aces Association, he was the last living American pilot from the war.

Last American fighter ace from World War II dies at 103
As a naval aviator in World War II, Donald McPherson got five aerial kills. Then he spent decades in a life of service.
