ESSEX WWII Navy Ace Flies Again in Fagen’s Helldiver
WWII Navy Ace and Hellcat pilot Donald M. McPherson flew in the Fagen Fighters WWII Museum's SB2C Helldiver, joining a formation flight alongside his former aircraft, the F6F Hellcat.
Donald Melvin McPherson flying in the back seat of the Fagen Fighters WWII Museum with Ray Fowler at the controls. Photo by Kevin Parks
On September 27th, 2024, the Fagen Fighters WWII Museum hosted a special event featuring an extraordinary formation flight of two iconic aircraft: the Museum’s Essex Helldiver and Hellcat. This rare spectacle will be accompanied by the presence of WWII Navy Ace, Donald M. McPherson, who flew Hellcats during the war. The flyover took place at the museum’s airfield, with the help of warbird pilot Ray Fowler.
Donald McPherson. a native of Nebraska, became a World War II Navy ACE, credited with shooting down five enemy aircraft in aerial combat. Photo by Kevin Parks
Titled “Witness History,” this unique event offered attendees the opportunity to experience living history as these vintage warbirds took to the skies, echoing the days when they flew combat missions during the Pacific Theater of World War II. Piloting one of the aircraft was Lt. Col. Ray Fowler, who honored the legacy of those who flew in combat alongside heroes like McPherson.
Photo by Anna McCosh
Visitors had the chance to meet McPherson, a Hellcat pilot who earned the distinguished title of Navy Ace during the war. His accomplishments and stories provided a deeply personal connection to the planes that soared overhead. With period re-enactments, food trucks, and a rich historical atmosphere, this was an unforgettable experience for families and history enthusiasts alike. For more information and to participate in the future to incredible days of history, aviation, and remembrance visit Fagen Fighters WWII Museum at www.fagenfighterswwiimuseum.org
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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