World War II’s last American ace dies at 103
By Jon Guttman
Friday, Aug 22, 2025
Mcpherson was believed to be the last surviving WWII ace. (Navy)
Amid the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end comes the death of what is believed to be America’s last surviving ace, Don McPherson. He was 103.
McPherson stands out among the “Greatest Generation” as the last American pilot credited with five aerial victories to earn the status of “ace.” Perhaps appropriately, he got them all during the war’s last major campaign: Okinawa.
Born in Adams, Nebraska on May 25, 1922, Donald Melvin McPherson grew up working on his family’s farm during the Great Depression. He was trying to raise money to go to college when World War II broke out.
https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/military-history/2025/08/22/world-war-iis-last-american-ace-dies-at-103/
