Capt. James William
Pearson, RAF
Victories: 10.88
(12)
Units: 23 Sq. RAF
Born: 2 April 1895 Nutley, New Jersey
Died: 26 January 1993 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
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© 1999 The Aerodrome
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