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James Macefield became the first Commanding Officer of the 456th Fighter Interceptor Squadron  ( the resurrected 456th Fighter Squadron from World War II )  at TRUX Air Field, Madison Wisconsin, August 8th, 1954.  The solid foundation that he built, and upon which every subsequent commander built upon, made the 456th F.I.S. one of the most respected CAN DO units in The Air Force.   He not only expected the absolute best from the men under his command, he received it, because he gave his very best to and for them.

Thank you Sir!                                                                                                                                                                Bob Justus  Web-Master

July 21, 2003

 

Dear Bob,

Here it is, finally.

CLICK ON PICTURE TO ENLARGE

James & Carol Macefield

James Macefield, born 28 March 1920, Garfield, NJ
Degrees in military science, engineering and law.  USA AC/ USAF service 1942-1967.  Blessed with the best things in life, with a few bumps along the way.

Excellent family life made possible by great parents.

Father, 1898-1939, born in NYC, son of a Baptist minister.
Served in US Army WW I,

Mother, 1898-1984, born in Garfield, NJ, German parents.
Served as Gray Lady [civilian nurse's aide] WW I.
Outstanding cook, deeply involved in social service.

Brother, Bud, born 1924, Garfield, NJ, master mechanic. successful businessman, S/Sgt, 2nd Ranger Bn, US Army WW II, Omaha Beach, scaled cliff's at Pont du Hoc on D-day, wounded twice.

I always had a deep interest in aircraft, ships and cars.  Grew up a short bicycle ride from Teterboro air field.  This grass field with 2 hangers, fueled my interest in aircraft.  The field was a mandatory check point in many Bendix and Thompson Trophy races.  Many well known aviation pioneers flew into Teterboro, such as Roscoe Turner & Clearence Chamberlain.  Sight-seeing flights over NYC [approximately 12 miles away] offered in light aircraft, a Curtiss Condor bi-plane airliner and blimps for 5 to 10 dollars.  Not too successful in the 1930's aince the country was recovering from the big depression.

High school and St. John's Lutheran church were the foundation of my closest friends during my teen years.  My first car was a 1930 model A Ford coupe purchased for "50 big ones."  Sports, cars and a very special girl made life a real joy.  I met Betty [outstanding cook] at St. John's in 1933.  We went "steady" up to the time we were married 60 years ago.  I flew my first tour in the ETO returned to the USA shortly after D-day.  Betty succumbed to leukemia in December.[1920-1944]  It was difficult to understand, I had just survived a tour of combat and my wife passes away a few months later, at age 23.  Betty's Mom & Dad were outstanding, maintaining family bonds with me through the years, until their passing.

Several years after WW Ii, married a US Army nurse.  Three children, Kathleen, senior city planer, Helena, Montana;  Jim, chief engineer on merchant vessels [USAF Vietnam war][ Lance, musician, deceased.  This marriage ended in divorce.

Married Carol [outstanding cook] in 1975, seven years after retiring from the USAF.  Gained 3 step daughters.  Lucky, the six off-spring have always enjoyed the company of each other.  As my physical condition has gone down hill, Carol has been a wonderful care giver, always there to assist me in every detail.

B-17's, P-47's and P-51's  WW II; F-86's Korea war: F-105's Vietnam war.  Fortunate to have flown 15 jet fighters, plus twin & 4 engine jet aircraft.  Project officer and test pilot: F-102, F-104, F-4.  Acrobatic team: F-80, F-84, prior to formation of the Thunderbirds.  1957 Bendix Trophy Race, F-102, 1:25 behind the winner.

Command assignments at squadron, group & wing level.  Activated 456 FIS at Truax field, Madison, Wisconsin, 1955, F-86-D's.  ADC drew personnel and equipment from active squadrons.  Needless to say, they sent us all of what they considered their cast off equipment and personnel.  Talked to all personnel upon arrival, delegated authority, decorated the enlisted quarters with eye appealing paint and got local civic organizations & merchants to equip the recreation room with new furniture.  Set up airmen and NCO of the month award system, A small desk top trophy, certificate, dinner for two at a top restaurant and a letter to their parents.  Established a squadron newspaper, excellent soft ball team, and volley ball court at the enlisted quarters.  Erected 4'x4' signs with our insignia, at the various locations of our squadron sections.  Best of all, we got the Max out of all personnel allowing us to set the ADC squadron  rocketry record at Yummy within one year of activation.  

Staff assignments at group, wing, major command and pentagon.

Retired from USAF on disability.  Took about 6 years to spin down from the high of a fighter pilot's life.  Worked in banking, airline captain, twin turbo-prop aircraft.  Managed a small aircraft operation, 3 flight schools, sales of 3 types of aircraft and a maintenance facility.  Attended law school at night, graduated in 1986.  Retired from all business activities, we traveled back & forth across the USA & Canada in our RV.  Travel in our vains, we traveled with tours through Europe & Far East, then caught the cruise bug,  Favorite places: Hawaii, Alaska, national parks, New Zeland, the Alps, Rome & Athens.

Been flying a wheel chair for about 3 years.  Still enjoy attending reunions when possible.  Thoroughly enjoyed this year's 456 FIS reunion.

Bob, I'm sorry to bore you with much more details than you had in mind.  As you can see I'm impressed with good cooks.  Feel free to reduce it.  My kids wanted this bit of trivia too.  Result: too much wind.

Thanks, have a great summer.

With best regards, Jim

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