Overview

• He died on Aug. 14 at age 103, and a funeral was held Aug. 19 in Beatrice, Nebraska.
• The American Fighter Aces Association and the Fagen Fighters WWII Museum list him as the last living U.S. ace from World War II.
• Serving in the Pacific, he flew F6F Hellcats from the carrier USS Essex with VF-83 and was credited with five aerial victories, including during Okinawa operations.
• His honors included the 2015 Congressional Gold Medal, three Distinguished Flying Crosses and multiple Air Medals.
• The Fagen Fighters museum recently recognized his life at its Victory at Sea event as his family emphasized his enduring commitment to faith, community and service in Adams, Nebraska.