AMERICA’S last living fighter ace from World War II has died at 103.
Donald McPherson was a fearless Navy pilot who took down five enemy planes in the Pacific.
Donald McPherson, America’s last living fighter ace from World War II, has died[/caption]
McPherson, seen center right, was honored alongside other WWII veterans before his death[/caption]
Nebraska Representative Adrian Smith met with McPherson when he was awarded a Congressional Gold Medal in 2015[/caption]
He passed away on August 14 in his hometown of Adams, Nebraska, which is about an hour and a half outside Omaha.
McPherson was remembered as a “compassionate and humble soul” who dedicated his life to family, faith, and his country, his emotional obituary states.
“Don was a member of ‘The Greatest Generation,’ as characterized by the best-selling book of that name by NBC News journalist Tom Brokaw,” his family wrote.
“As Winston Churchill once said, ‘Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities because it is the quality that guarantees all others.’
“Donald was a living embodiment of this sentiment.”
McPherson joined the army only when he was 18.
He flew fighter aircraft known as F6F Hellcats off the deck of the USS Essex during air battles in World War II.
The Hellcat was nicknamed the “Zero Killer” for its dominance over Japan.
McPherson called the Hellcat a rugged and forgiving aircraft, capable of absorbing heavy fire and still bringing pilots home.
He earned the remarkable title of “ace” after chalking up five kills in the skies over East Asia.
The hero was given three Distinguished Flying Crosses and a rarely awarded Congressional Gold Medal for his service.
He was a respected member of the Adams VFW and American Legion, and had been a Scout Master for Troop 280.
McPherson flew missions during the kamikaze attacks on US naval fleets and bravely intercepted Japanese fighters mid-air.
In one chilling account, the ace described a mission where he shot down two Japanese planes before discovering a bullet hole in his vessel.
At the time, he told himself, “Maybe God is not done with me.”
In another mission, the eagle eyed solder said that he took down two Japanese planes after noticing them on low water.
HUMBLE WARRIORS
But loved ones say the humble veteran never bragged about his battles.
Instead, McPherson wanted to be remembered as “a man of faith” and a devoted family man.
After the war, he swapped combat missions for small-town life.
He worked as a farmer, rural mail carrier, coached kids’ baseball, and served as a Scoutmaster.
In his free time, he woodworked, welded, hunted, and went fishing.
The local ball field even bears his name: McPherson Field.
He is survived by his two daughters, son, and many grandchildren.
Donald McPherson’s obituary
“Donald Melvin McPherson, a compassionate and humble soul, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2025, at the age of 103. Born on May 25, 1922, in Adams, Nebraska, Donald lived a remarkable life dedicated to his family, his faith, and his country. His journey was characterized by deep courage and unwavering dedication, leaving an impression on everyone who crossed his path. Don was a member of “The Greatest Generation”, as characterized by the best-selling book of that name by NBC News journalist Tom Brokaw. As Winston Churchill once said, “Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities because it is the quality that guarantees all others.” Donald was a living embodiment of this sentiment.
“Donald’s life was a harmonious blend of hard work and passion. He spent most of his life working as a farmer and over 20 years as a rural letter carrier, his days drenched in the Nebraska sun and his heart devoted to the land. His hobbies extended his love for hard work and craftsmanship, as he spent his free time woodworking, welding, hunting, and fishing. However, the brave spirit within him led him to greater heights, as he served as a World War II Ace Navy Pilot and was recognized as the last remaining WWII Ace fighter pilot in America. His courage and dedication were recognized with the Congressional Gold Medal, a testament to his extraordinary service. His love for his country was paralleled only by his devotion to his family and his faith. Donald married the love of his life, Thelma Johnston, on August 17, 1944, in Daytona Beach, Florida. Their life together was blessed with four children. He was a lifetime and active member of the Adams United Methodist Church, where his faith found expression in multiple leadership roles.
“Despite his remarkable achievements, Donald remained grounded and humble. He was a respected member of the Adams VFW and American Legion, and had been a Scout Master for Troop 280. His dedication to the community was not limited to his military service; he also served as the organizer, promoter, and coach for the Adams Summer Baseball and Softball Leagues. His tireless dedication to nurturing younger generations was a reflection of his compassionate spirit. Don was an avid Husker football, baseball and softball fan. He is survived by his daughters Donna (Robin) Mulder of Lincoln, and Beth Delabar of Adams, and his son, Reverend Dean (Susie) McPherson of Omaha; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Minnie (Petz) McPherson, his beloved wife, Thelma, his son Steve, his grandsons Robert Delabar Jr. and Matthew Donald Delabar, and his son-in-law, Robert Delabar Sr.; and by his siblings including an infant brother.
“Donald’s extraordinary journey will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at the United Methodist Church in Adams, Nebraska. The service will be live-streamed for those unable to attend. Following the service, a lunch will be served at the church at 12:00 PM. Donald will be laid to rest with military honors and a flyover at the Highland Cemetery in Adams at 2:00 PM. Friends and family are invited to his public visitation on Monday, August 18, 2025, from 1:00pm to 8:00 PM at the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice with the family greeting friends from 6-7:30 PM. A memorial has been established to the United Methodist Church in Adams and the American Heart Association with the funeral home in charge.
“In memory of our beloved Donald, we invite you to share your favorite memories, stories, or photographs, and watch his service and video tribute on his memorial page on www.ghchapel.com. Let us remember and celebrate this humble and courageous man who touched our lives in countless ways. These services have been entrusted to the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Adams.”
