John R. Alison
John Richardson Alison | |
|---|---|
John R. Alison Gathering of Eagles 2004 Lithograph | |
| Nickname(s) | Johnny |
| Born | November 21, 1912 Micanopy, Florida, U.S. |
| Died | June 6, 2011 (aged 98) Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Army Air Forces United States Air Force Reserve |
| Years of service | 1936–1972 |
| Rank | Major general |
| Unit | 51st Fighter Group 23rd Fighter Group |
| Commands | 75th Fighter Squadron 1st Air Commando Group |
| Battles / wars | World War II |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Cross Army Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Legion of Merit (2) Distinguished Flying Cross Purple Heart Air Medal (2) |
| Other work | Assistant Secretary of Commerce Senior Vice President, Northrop |
John Richardson Alison (November 21, 1912 – June 6, 2011) was a highly decorated American combat ace of World War II and is often cited as the father of Air Force Special Operations.