Name: James William Pearson Country: United States Rank: Captain Services: Royal Flying Corps Royal Air Force Squadrons: 23 Victories: 12 Born: 2 April 1895 Place of Birth: Nutley, New Jersey Died: 26 January 1993 Place of Death: Montclair, New Jersey Notes A Sopwith Dolphin pilot, Pearson joined the Royal Flying Corps in 1917. In April 1918, he was posted to 23 Squadron at Bertangles. After the war, he founded the J.W. Pearson Textile Company, retiring in 1960. Before his death in 1993, he was the last surviving American ace of World War I. Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) "On 28 October [1918], while leading a patrol, this officer observed a formation of enemy scouts. Diving to the attack, he engaged one and drove it down out of control. He then attacked a second, which he drove down to crash. In all, he has accounted for seven enemy aircraft, settting at all times a fine example of skill and courageous determination." DFC citation, London Gazette, February 1919 Aces ╖ Aircraft ╖ Books ╖ Chat ╖ Forum ╖ Guests ╖ Links ╖ Medals ╖ News ╖ Search ╖ Vote Copyright ⌐ 1997,1998 The Aerodrome Page revised on 18 Nov 1997