Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Is Doolittle Raider James H. Macia, Jr, Dead?

The December 22nd Sierra Vista Herald (Arizona) reported the death of Doolittle Raider James H. Macia, Jr., 93, one of the last nine surviving members of the famous attack on Japan that did so much for American morale a few months after Pearl Harbor.

They got the news from his nephew Burton Devere of Tombstone who said his uncle died December 21st in Philadelphia. I am not subscribed to their service so didn't find out anything else.

However, I did not find mention of his death anywhere else, so think perhaps he did not die. Sure hope so.

I went to the Doolittle's Raiders site at www.doolittleraiders.com and found out a few things about Macia. He was born April 10, 1916 in Tombstone, Arizona and graduated from Tombstone High School before attending the University of Arizona before leaving to join the military in 1940. He became a second lieutenant in the air corps in June 1941.

After the Doolittle Raid, he was on 80 missions in Europe. He was out of the military in 1946 but back in during 1950 and was the last of the Raiders to retire from active duty in the 70s.

Sure Hope he Didn't Die As I Am Considering Going to the Next Raiders Reunion in Ohio Next Year. --Cooter

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