1941 Chester Decker & Lt. John Mitchell Mackie – Original WWII Press Photo, Fort Dix Aviation Champions

This original July 9, 1941 press photograph captures a powerful meeting of two historic aviation figures on the cusp of America’s full entry into World War II:

• Private Chester Decker (left), the U.S. National Soaring Champion, recently inducted into the Army from Glenrock, New Jersey

• Lieutenant John Mitchell Mackie (right), member of the 126th Observation Squadron and nephew of famed aviation pioneer General Billy Mitchell, known as the “Stormy Petrel” of the U.S. Air Corps.

Taken at Fort Dix, New Jersey, the image depicts the two aviators in conversation on the airfield, with the tail section of a BT-9 or BT-14 Army trainer aircraft faintly visible in the background—a subtle nod to the military aviation environment they were entering.

Typed caption on reverse:

"Soaring Champion and Mitchell's Nephew
Fort Dix, N.J.—Private Chester Decker (left) of Glenrock, N.J., United States gliding and soaring champion who was recently inducted into the Army, chats with Lieut. John Mitchell Mackie, of Milwaukee, Wis., nephew of the late General Billie Mitchell, 'Stormy Petrel' of the Air Corps, on the flying field here. Lieut. Mackie is a member of the 126th Observation Squadron of Wisconsin.
Credit Line (ACME) 7/9/41"

Historical Significance:
This photo represents a convergence of American gliding excellence and military aviation legacy at a critical moment in U.S. history.

• Chester Decker was a leading figure in early American soaring, known for his achievements in glider flight.

• Lt. Mackie embodied the continuation of the Billy Mitchell legacy, whose controversial and prophetic push for air power would shape U.S. strategy in WWII.

The photograph’s ACME press credit, exact date, and detailed typed caption give it exceptional documentation and provenance—making it especially valuable to aviation historians, military collectors, and museums.

Key Features:

• Date: July 9, 1941

• Photographer/Agency: ACME News Photos

• Location: Fort Dix, New Jersey

• Subjects: Private Chester Decker, Lt. John Mitchell Mackie

• Aircraft (background): Likely North American BT-9 or BT-14 trainer

• Medium: Original press photograph with full typed caption and stamp