Major General Fred W. Makinney

Posted on Jan 27, 2025 in HING History, People

Maj. Gen. Fred Makinney a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy was appointed to West Point in 1916 by Delegate Kuhio Kalanianaole. Makinney was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Regular Army in November 1918 and served in all commissioned grades from 2nd Lieutenant to Colonel. Born in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi on 23 August 1899, Makinney received his education at Punahou. 

Makinney entered West Point, but because of the need of officers, during the World War I, he graduated in 1918 receiving his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army. He then served in World War I. In 1919, after a tour of battlefields in France, Belgium and Italy, he attended Cavalry School at Fort Riley, Kans. He then enjoyed stints Arkansas, Schofield Barracks, New York, Kentucky and more.

In World War II he served as G4 6th Armed Division, Deputy Director, the Armored School, Ft Knox, and Chief of Staff, the Armored Center, Ft Knox, Ky. Makinney retired from the regular Army as a Colonel in January 1946.

On 4 August 1946 Makinney was appointed the Adjutant General of the Territory of Hawaiʻi and received federal recognition as Brigadier General in April 1951. He was promoted to Major General on 15 September 1953.

Upon assuming command of the Hawaiʻi National Guard in 1946, Makinney utilized his wide experience and personal acquaintanceship with military leaders in Hawaiʻi to organize and build the post World War II Hawaiʻi National Guard.

Under his leadership and the high standards set by him, the Hawaiʻi National Guard, both Army and Air, gained nation wide recognition as one of the best National Guard organizations in the nation. This achievement by the Hawaiʻi National Guard under Makinney’s leadership was responsible for the major role given to the Hawaiʻi National Guard in the defense of the Hawaiian Islands today.

He is married to the former Violet Lucas and has two sons – Fred, a Honolulu businessman, and Robert, a Captain in the Air Force.

He wears the Commendation Ribbon with Cluster and numerous service medals for participation in both World Wars.

Last updated May 2025

Photos of Major General Fred W. Makinney

Maj. Gen. F. W. Makinney Aug. 4, 1946 - Dec. 2, 1962
Maj. Gen. F. W. Makinney
Aug. 4, 1946 – Dec. 2, 1962
IN MEMORIAM MAJ GEN F. W. MAKINNEY 1899-1975 MajGen Makinney, born and raised in Honolulu, attended Punahou Academy, Columbian Preparatory School, Washington D.C. and U.S. Military Academy, West Point, N.Y. He served on active duty in the U.S. Army from 1918 to 1946. Upon retiring from the Active Army. MajGen Makinney served as Hawaii's State Adjutant General from Aug. 4, 1946 until Dec. 2, 1962.
IN MEMORIAM
MAJ GEN F. W. MAKINNEY
1899-1975
MajGen Makinney, born and raised in Honolulu, attended Punahou Academy, Columbian Preparatory School, Washington D.C. and U.S. Military Academy, West Point, N.Y. He served on active duty in the U.S. Army from 1918 to 1946. Upon retiring from the Active Army. MajGen Makinney served as Hawaii’s State Adjutant General from Aug. 4, 1946 until Dec. 2, 1962.
RECOGNITION. Major General F. W. Makinney awards Hawaii National Guard Medal for Merit to 1st Lt Alexander Bell.
RECOGNITION. Major General F. W. Makinney awards Hawaii National Guard Medal for Merit to 1st Lt Alexander Bell.
BRIGADIER GENERAL F. W. MAKINNEY The Adjutant General
BRIGADIER GENERAL F. W. MAKINNEY
The Adjutant General
Major General F. W. Makinney Adjutant General of Hawaii
Major General F. W. Makinney
Adjutant General of Hawaii
Acting Governor Oren E. Long inspects M26 Tank with General Makinney at HNG Encampment
Acting Governor Oren E. Long inspects M26 Tank with General Makinney at HNG Encampment
Nation's Champion Recruiter, M/Sg t Joseph Camacho, is Welcomed Home from Washington, D. C. by General Makinney
Nation’s Champion Recruiter, M/Sg t Joseph Camacho, is Welcomed Home from Washington, D. C. by General Makinney
(Pictures from the Annual Reports)