WWII Ace Gen John R. Alison Dies

[Dennis Donovan]

http://www.finanznachrichten.de/20448270

ARLINGTON, Va., June 6, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Maj. Gen. John R. Alison, USAF (Ret.), a highly decorated World War II combat ace and Korean War veteran, died on Monday, June 06, 2011, at his home in Washington, D.C. He was 98 years old. Alison's wartime achievements include seven confirmed and numerous probable kills while flying with, and commanding, the 75th Fighter Squadron "Flying Tigers." Additionally, he was co-commander of an Air Commando Force - the first in military history - which fought behind Japanese lines in Burma in World War II. He also is known as the father of Air Force special operations.

After World War II he became the youngest-ever assistant secretary of commerce for aeronautics. He returned to the service during the Korean War and later retired as a two-star general in the Air Force Reserve. He also served as the national president of the Air Force Association (AFA), an independent nonprofit organization that promotes aerospace power and education, from 1954 to 1955. He was AFA''s chairman of the board from 1955 to 1956, and remained an active, engaged director emeritus throughout his lifetime.

In 2005, he was enshrined in the National Aviation Hall of Fame.

"General Alison was one of the greatest military aviators the U.S. has ever seen and a true asset to our country. He personified the achievements and principles of the armed forces'' youngest branch through his extraordinary skill as a pilot and warrior," said Sandy Schlitt, AFA Chairman of the Board. "We extend our sympathies to the Alison family as they remain in our thoughts and prayers."
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L to R: John Alison, Tex Hill, Ajax Baumler, and Mack Mitchell at Kunming, July 1942.

Cross... mightily, General.:patriot:

[Dennis Donovan]

1. Kick for re-exposure...

Tough night for stories like these on DU. ;)

[Rhiannon12866]

2. K&R! Wow, what a story, a real American hero...

So sad that he had to leave us, but he sure gave a lot, and no one will ever forget this historic day... ;( :patriot:

[Octafish]

3. The Flying Tigers were in it to stop Japanese warmongers before Pearl Harbor.

The War Party, they were called, ran Japan's government.