The USS North Carolina (BB-55) My all-time favorite warship. As an elementary school student in North Carolina, I donated nickels and dimes to save this ship back in the early sixties.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Major General John R. Alison, USAF (Ret) Dies

From the June 6, 2011, PR Newswire.

Major General John R. Alison, a World War II combat ace and veteran of the Korean War died June 6th at the age of 98.

During World War II he had seven confirmed and numerous probable kills flying with and later commanding the 75th Fighter Squadron. "The Flying Tigers."

He also co-commanded the Air Commando Force which fought behind Japanese lines in Burma and is referred to as The father of Air Force Special Operations.

In 1943, he led a top-secret mission with 9,000 troops. 1300 mules and moved 250 tons of supplies behind Japanese lines in Burma over a six-day period.  He also piloted the first group of Waco CG-4A glider planes towed by C-47 transports and released to a risky jungle landing.  Of 64 gliders that first night, 32 arrived, 20 were lost en route and 15 turned back.

He returned to service during the Korean War.

Quite the Man.  --GreGen

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