EDITOR'S NOTE: This story originally appeared on Sept. 1, 2015, as part of the Journal Star's recognition of area veterans. Don McPherson died last week . This story goes into further detail about earning "Ace" designation.

ADAMS — One of two living Nebraskans designated as an ace pilot, Don McPherson considers himself a lucky man.

He shot down a pair of kamikazes from his F6F Hellcat fighter because, according to him, he was "at the right place at the right time."

McPherson, 93, has spent most of his life in Adams. He enlisted in the Navy in 1942, thinking he might as well pick the branch of service he wanted to join instead of letting Uncle Sam decide for him.

He patrolled the skies and flew missions in the Pacific Theater. He served until 1945.

McPherson recalls watching a

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