Introduction
Captain James William Pearson was a World War I flying ace credited with twelve aerial victories.
Early life
Pearson's home town was Nutley, New Jersey, despite his Connecticut birth.
World War I
Pearson was promoted to 2nd lieutenant (temporarily) in October 1917.
He was assigned to 23 Squadron at Bertangles, who originally operated Spads. They later re-equipped with Sopwith Dolphins, and Pearson began to score confirmed "downs" of enemy aircraft. Between 30 May and 1 November 1918, he destroyed six enemy planes (one of which was a joint victory with Harry Compton) 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.