John Richardson Alison (November 21, 1912 – June 6, 2011)[1] was a highly decorated American combat ace of World War II and is often cited as the father of Air Force Special Operations.

[2] Prior to America's entry into World War II, he served as Assistant Military Attache in England and helped British pilots transition into the P-40.

[8]After returning home in May 1943, Alison was recalled to the CBI theater by Gen. Henry "Hap" Arnold to co-command (along with Lt. Col. Philip G. Cochran) the newly formed 1st Air Commando Group, also known as Project 9.

As leader of this secret and highly innovative flying unit, Alison led a composite wing of fighters, bombers, transports and gliders in the dramatic "aerial invasion of Burma," dubbed Operation THURSDAY.

In March 1944, Alison's men flew more than 200 miles behind enemy lines, transporting, re-supplying, and providing fire support for over 9,000 Allied forces.

Air Force Chief of Staff General Norton A. Schwartz provided the eulogy at the Old Post Chapel at Joint Base Myer–Henderson Hall.

With his damaged plane failing and pursuit impossible, Major John Alison would have been justified under the circumstances, in leaving his ship by parachute, but he chose to attempt a night crash landing in order to save his vitally needed equipment.

In attacking this superior force at night, destroying two bombers and possibly the entire hostile formation after his ship had been damaged by enemy cross fire, and then attempting to save his stricken plane, Major John Alison displayed extraordinary heroism and outstanding skill.