Ridgewood’s Sky Hero
In recognition of Memorial Day, we are saluting Ridgewood-born Major Thomas B. McGuire Jr. McGuire Air Force Base, now known as Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst near Wrightstown, New Jersey, was renamed in his honor in 1948.
by Kris Pepper
About a year ago, my brother, Bill, an Air Force veteran and accomplished commercial pilot, recommended I do a piece on Major Thomas McGuire for Ridgewood and Ho-Ho-Kus Magazine. The month of May is the perfect time to publish it in observance of Memorial Day. This story is in honor of all the service men and women who made the supreme sacrifice for their country.
Who was Thomas B. McGuire Jr.?
Major Thomas Buchanan McGuire Jr. (1920 to 1945) was a U.S. Army Air Force fighter pilot and one of the most decorated airmen in American history. Born in Ridgewood, he became the second-highest scoring American fighter ace of World War II with 38 confirmed aerial victories, only two victories behind Major Richard Bong.
How did he become a pilot?
McGuire left Georgia Tech University in his third year to join the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1941. His first combat assignment in World War II was flying patrols over the Aleutian Islands and Alaska, flying the P-30 Airacobra, where he honed his natural and instinctive piloting skills.
What made him an exceptional airman?
McGuire’s combat record is legendary. He became an “ace” (more than five victories) in just two days of combat flying, counting toward his total of 38 aerial victories in just 17 months. He was known for tactical brilliance and fearless leadership. He wrote a highly regarded book on combat tactics for the entire 5th Air Force. Fun Fact: Charles Lindbergh bunked with him and flew as his wingman several times.
He was only 24 when he lost his life. What happened?
On January 7, 1945, while attempting to protect a fellow pilot in a dogfight over the Philippines, his aircraft stalled and crashed. His death came just two victories shy of becoming America’s top ace.
Did he ever receive the Medal of Honor?
He did. Posthumously. McGuire repeatedly risked his own life to protect his fellow pilots, and he was awarded the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism during missions over the Philippines in 1944.
Thomas McGuire’s legacy stands as a powerful reminder that extraordinary courage can be born from an “ordinary” hometown.
Wishing you all a meaningful Memorial Day, and on behalf of the team at Ridgewood and Ho-Ho-Kus Magazine, our gratitude to all who serve.
Kris is the editor of Ridgewood Magazine and the proud sister of William Bosma III, who flew the C141 Starlifter at McGuire A.F.B., and served as a reservist with the 702nd and 225th Squadrons. Bill continued piloting commercial aircraft until his retirement in 2016, receiving the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for 50 years of aviation safety. He passed away on December 15, 2025.
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