Learning Center Our Enshrinees

John R. Alison

• In the spring of 1941, Alison served as Military attaché in helping transition British, and later Russian, pilots to the P-40.
• Became a 14th Air Force/23rd Fighter Group “Flying Tiger” squadron commander in China.
• Was selected by General Arnold to co-command with Phil Cochran the newly formed 1st Air Commando Force established to help General Wingate in Burma.
• Helped lead OPERATION THURSDAY (March 5, 1944) which was the first nighttime, air invasion. It was also the first time rockets and helicopters were used in a combat operation.
• Was an executive with Northrop Corporation until his retirement in 1979.