James William Pearson
Encyclopedia
Captain James William Pearson was a World War I flying ace
credited with twelve aerial victories.
s. They re-equipped with Sopwith Dolphins, and Pearson started to score victories. 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.
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.
Flying ace
A flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down several enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The actual number of aerial victories required to officially qualify as an "ace" has varied, but is usually considered to be five or more...
credited with twelve aerial victories.
World War I
His combat assignment was to 23 Squadron, which was operating SpadSociété Pour L'Aviation et ses Dérivés
SPAD was a French aircraft manufacturer between 1911 and 1921. Its SPAD S.XIII biplane was the most popular French fighter airplane in World War I.-Deperdussin:...
s. They re-equipped with Sopwith Dolphins, and Pearson started to score victories. Between 30 May and 1 November 1918, he destroyed six enemy planes (one of which was shared with Harry Compton
Harry Compton
Lieutenant Harry Neville Compton was a World War I flying ace credited with five aerial victories.Compton originally served with the Canadian Military Engineers, transferring to the Royal Flying Corps on 14 February 1918. That summer, he was posted to No. 23 Squadron on the Western Front, to fly...
, and drove six others down out of control.
Postwar
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.Honors and awards
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.