J. J. MacBrien

J.J. MacBrien entered Royal Roads Military College in British Columbia in 1942 and, as a member of the Royal Canadian Navy, served on the Pacific Front during World War II. He graduated from flight training in 1947 and, in 1952, participated in an exchange tour wherein he served with the United States Navy during the Korean War. In 1953 he became the first Canadian officer to receive the United States’ Distinguished Flying Cross after leading a dangerous raid to help eliminate North Korean supplies. He retired from the Royal Canadian Navy in 1957 with the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

Following his active service, MacBrien worked for Canadair Limited. In civilian life, MacBrien was a member of the Royal St. Lawrence Yacht Club and was involved in yacht racing. In 1964 he was selected to represent Canada in the Dragon class, alongside Ed Botterell and Lynn Watters, and placed 11th overall, having finished fourth in the first two races, but subsequently never performing better than seventh. He continued racing into the 1970s.