LtCol James A. McCulley USAF (Ret)

James A. McCulley, Lt. Col, USAF (Ret.) began military service in 1949 at age 20, upon graduating with an engineering degree from Texas A&M University. As a Distinguished Graduate from this military school's four-year ROTC program, he was offered a Regular Officer Commission in the Air Force and immediately began pilot flight-training at Randolph Air Force Base in Texas.

Lt. McCulley received his pilot wings upon completion of advanced training in the F-80 fighter jet at Williams AFB, AZ, in mid 1950 and was assigned to the Air Defense Command's 56th Fighter Group at Selfridge AFB, MI. He transitioned to the F-86 jet and simultaneously also served as his squadron's assistant aircraft maintenance officer.

In 1951, he was transferred to Korea, where he flew the F-86 in 100 combat missions against the MiG-15, while also being assigned as the Squadron's Aircraft Maintenance Officer. During this period of dual assignment he was awarded a "spot promotion" to Captain, and was responsible for the downing of three MiGs and one Yak-3 fighter. He also received two Distinguished Flying Crosses and seven Air Medals.

Upon return to stateside, he was assigned to the organization that had recently supported nuclear bomb testing on Eniwetok Island by using pilotless B-17 bombers. This organization needed jet-qualified pilots to fly faster unmanned aircraft in nuclear tests in Nevada, as well as missile tests at both the Pacific and Gulf Test Ranges. Again, Capt. McCulley also performed a dual role as the Electronics Maintenance Officer and was responsible for designing special control systems to adapt the unmanned aircraft to a variety of unique missions. For one such mission the organization received a Presidential Unit Citation medal for outstanding national achievement.

In 1957, he was selected (by the USAF) to attend the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, MI, on a full-time basis to earn a Masters degree in Engineering. Upon completion of this degree program, he was assigned to Research and Development work at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. He became a systems test engineer on the ground-to-air Bomarc missile program.

The remainder of his career in the Air Force included attendance at the Armed Forces Staff College, assignment to NASA Headquarters to provide engineering and technical support during the Gemini and Apollo programs, and four years in the Pentagon as a Systems Test Engineer during the Air Force Manned Orbiting Laboratory program. Throughout his Air Force career he maintained flight proficiency in jet aircraft and was rated in a variety of military multi-engine and civilian light aircraft, as well as owning and flying Experimental Category airplanes.

After retirement with twenty years of service, he continued to work in the engineering profession, primarily pursuing commercial energy conservation activities and program management with an electric utility. He retired from professional work in 1991, but remains active in aviation as a hobbyist.

Jim McCulley belongs to the Quiet Birdman Society, owns a sailplane, and has been a towpilot for the Skyline Soaring Club for the past 12 years. He has been active in the Experimental Aircraft Association since 196land currently owns a Wittman Tailwind that he now flies after investing several years of personal restoration and re-engineering.

Jim has been blessed with his wife, their three daughters, and six grandchildren. He and his wife currently reside in Warrenton, VA.