Donald McPherson, the final surviving U.S. World War II ace pilot, has left an indelible mark on history with his passing at 103, reminding us of a time when courage wasn’t just a hashtag, as Breitbart reports.
On Aug. 14, this Nebraska hero took his final flight, leaving behind a legacy of valor as a Navy pilot who defended our freedoms in the Pacific aboard the USS Essex, downing enemy aircraft with unmatched skill.
Let’s rewind to the early 1940s, when McPherson answered the call to serve, enlisting in 1943 and earning his wings in Corpus Christi, Texas, by the next year. This wasn’t some Hollywood script — it was the real grit of a generation that didn’t shy from duty.
From enlistment to epic battles
By March 1945, McPherson was with Fighter Squadron 83, deployed to the USS Essex during the brutal battle for Okinawa. His unit didn’t just show up; they flew an astonishing 6,560 sorties through June, proving that American resolve isn’t easily broken.
McPherson earned his ace status on April 6, 1945, near Kikai Shima off Okinawa, taking down two Aichi D3A Val dive bombers with precision. Less than a month later, on May 5, he destroyed three Kawanishi E7k float biplanes turned kamikaze, showing the enemy that reckless desperation wouldn’t win the day.
His squadron’s tally was staggering — 220 Japanese planes downed in the air and 72 on the ground. Numbers like that don’t come from luck; they come from skill, teamwork, and a refusal to back down, values some modern movements might call “outdated.” Turns out, standing firm still matters.
Ace pilot’s unmatched war record
McPherson’s bravery didn’t go unnoticed, as he was honored with the Congressional Gold Medal and three Distinguished Flying Crosses. These aren’t participation trophies; they’re testaments to a man who put everything on the line for his country.
Fast forward to 2024, when this centenarian warrior took a nostalgic ride in a WWII-era plane, a fitting tribute to the Hellcat fighters he once piloted. It’s a reminder that history isn’t just in books—it lives in the hearts of those who shaped it.
After the war, McPherson didn’t chase fame or fortune; he returned to a quiet life with his wife, working as a letter carrier. In a world obsessed with influencers, his humility is a refreshing slap to the face of self-promotion.
A life of service beyond war
Beyond the battlefield, McPherson poured his energy into his community, helping establish youth sports leagues and serving as a scoutmaster. He wasn’t just a hero in uniform; he was a pillar for the next generation, something today’s virtue-signaling crowd could learn from.
He was also a devoted member of Adams United Methodist Church, grounding his life in faith over fleeting cultural trends. As his daughter Beth Delabar said, “When it’s all done and Dad lists the things he wants to be remembered for… his first thing would be that he’s a man of faith.”
Now, let’s unpack that quote — faith as a cornerstone isn’t just a personal choice; it’s a quiet rebellion against a society that often mocks tradition. McPherson’s life shows that belief can anchor even the fiercest warriors, a lesson lost in today’s progressive push to rewrite every value.
Legacy of family and valor
McPherson leaves behind two daughters, a son, and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a family undoubtedly proud of his towering legacy. In an era where family is often sidelined for fleeting causes, his devotion to kin stands as a powerful counterpoint.
Recognized by the American Fighter Aces Association and the Fagen Fighters WWII Museum as the last of his kind, McPherson’s story isn’t just about war — it’s about what America once stood for. We’ve lost more than a pilot; we’ve lost a living link to a time when sacrifice wasn’t negotiable.
So, as we honor Donald McPherson, let’s remember that freedom isn’t free, and it’s not preserved by empty gestures or trendy hashtags. His 103 years were a masterclass in duty, faith, and grit — qualities we’d do well to reclaim before they’re forgotten in the noise of modern agendas.
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Author: Mae Slater
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