Captain James William Pearson was an American World War I flying ace credited with twelve aerial victories while flying for the British Royal Air Force.

Early life

Pearson's home town was Nutley, New Jersey, despite being born in Connecticut.

World War I

Pearson was promoted to 2nd lieutenant (temporarily) in October 1917. He was assigned to No. 23 Squadron RFC at Bertangles, which originally operated Spads. They later re-equipped with Sopwith Dolphins, and Pearson began to score confirmed victories 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.

Aerial victories

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.