| James William Pearson | |
|---|---|
| Born | 2 April 1895 Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA |
| Died | 28 January 1993 Montclair, New Jersey, USA |
| Allegiance | USA |
| Service/branch | Aviation |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | No. 23 Squadron RAF |
| Awards | British Distinguished Flying Cross, French Croix de Guerre |
| Other work | Longest surviving American ace of World War I |
Captain James William Pearson was a World War I flying ace credited with twelve aerial victories.[1]
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Pearson's home town was Nutley, New Jersey, despite his Connecticut birth.[2]
His combat assignment was to 23 Squadron, which was operating Spads. They re-equipped with Sopwith Dolphins, and Pearson started to score victories.[3] Between 30 May and 1 November 1918, he destroyed six enemy planes (one of which was shared with Harry Compton, and drove six others down out of control.[4]
Pearson founded the J. W. Pearson Textile Company, from which he retired in 1960. Upon his death in 1993, it was realized that Pearson was the last surviving American ace from World War I.[5]
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Lieut. (A./Capt.) James William Pearson. (FRANCE)
On 26 October, 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.[6]
American Aces of World War 1 Harry Dempsey. Osprey Publishing, 2001. ISBN 1-84176-375-6, 9781841763750.