US’s last surviving second world war flying ‘ace’ dies aged 103

Navy pilot Donald McPherson shot down five Japanese service members and earned Congressional Gold Medal

The second world war pilot who was believed to be the US’s last surviving “ace” – a title he earned by shooting down five enemy combatants – has died.

Donald McPherson was 103 when he died on 14 August, according to his online obituary.

McPherson fought Japanese forces during the second world war’s final years, serving in the Pacific theater as a US navy fighter pilot aboard the USS Essex. He earned the Congressional Gold Medal, three Distinguished Flying Crosses and recognition as an “ace” fighter for his service.

Pilots had to shoot down at least five enemies in aerial combat to be recognized as aces.