James
Pearson
Name: James William
Pearson
Country: United States
Rank: Captain
Services: Royal Flying Corps Royal Air Force
Units: 23
Victories: 12
Date Of Birth: April 2, 1895
Place of Birth: Nutley, New Jersey
Date Of Death: January 26, 1993
Place of Death: Montclair, New JerseyPearson joined the Royal Flying Corps in 1917, piloting a
Sopwith Dolphin. In April of 1918, he was assigned to 23 Squadron
at Bertangles. He claimed 33 enemy aircraft, receiving credit for
23 of them. After the war, he founded the J.W. Pearson Textile
Company, retiring in 1960. Before his death at age 97 on January
26,1993, he was the last surviving American ace of World War I.
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
"On October 28, 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, setting at all times a fine example of
skill and courageous determination." DFC citation, London Gazette,
February 1919
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