Overview

• McPherson died on Aug. 14 at age 103, and a funeral was held Aug. 19 in Nebraska.
• The American Fighter Aces Association and the Fagen Fighters WWII Museum list him as the nation’s last living World War II ace.
• He flew F6F Hellcats with VF-83 from the aircraft carrier USS Essex and was credited with five aerial victories.
• His decorations included a 2015 Congressional Gold Medal, three Distinguished Flying Crosses and multiple Air Medals.
• He was celebrated late in life, including a recent tribute at Fagen Fighters’ Victory at Sea event, and he prioritized faith and community service in Adams, Nebraska, where the town ballfield bears his and his wife Thelma’s name.