LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - A World War II veteran from Adams, believed to be America’s last surviving “ace” pilot, has died at age 103.

Don McPherson served as a Navy fighter pilot in the Pacific Theater during World War II where he engaged Japanese forces during the final years of the war.

McPherson grew up in Adams before serving in the Pacific where he’s credited with shooting five enemy planes down, earning him the status of ace.

His daughters who grew up helping him on the farm in Adams thought of him as a hero for different reasons.

“We farmed and he farmed and it was just kind of fun to share that with dad all those years. He was just very special,” Beth Delabar said.

After he returned from the war, McPherson dedicated himself to giving back, helping start baseball and softball lea

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