[2] During World War II, he served in the United States Marine Corps, assigned to the Office of Strategic Services.

In 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower nominated Macomber as assistant secretary of state for legislative affairs and served until February 27, 1961.

[4] Richard Nixon appointed Macomber deputy under secretary of state for management on September 26, 1969, and he served in this role from October 3, 1969, to April 4, 1973.

As president, he oversaw implementation of the MMA's master plan developed under his predecessor C. Douglas Dillon.

In retirement, Macomber taught social studies and coached football at Nantucket High School.

[7] Macomber was married to the Boston native and Simmons College graduate, Phyllis Dorothy Bernau (1924–2014) in c. 1964.