[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 176 (Tuesday, December 1, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2853]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING MAJOR GENERAL JOHN R. ALISON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 1, 2009

  Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, let me take this means to honor Major 
General John R. Alison, a distinguished Airman, a dedicated public 
servant, and a true American hero. Major General Alison served in the 
United States Air Force during World War II and the Korean War and also 
served as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Aeronautics under 
President Harry Truman. Known as the father of Air Force Special 
Operations, Major General Alison turned 97 on November 21, 2009.
  As a boy growing up in central Florida, Major General Alison dreamed 
of becoming a pilot for the United States. He graduated from the 
University of Florida School of Engineering in 1936 and soon after 
joined the United States Army Air Corps. He earned his wings in 1937 at 
Kelly Field and went on to serve as the assistant Military Attache in 
England and the Soviet Union.
  During World War II, Major General Alison served as commander of the 
75th Fighter Squadron, formerly known as the ``Flying Tigers.'' With 
seven confirmed victories and numerous probable kills, he ended his 
tour as a combat ace and earned a Distinguished Service Cross and a 
Silver Star for his unmatched courage and skill. Major General Alison 
returned home in May of 1943 only to be recalled to co-command the 
highly innovative 1st Air Commando Group. This secret flying unit flew 
over 200 miles into enemy territory in support of some 9,000 Allied 
forces. For his skill and courage as a pilot, he was inducted into the 
Air Commando Hall of Fame in 1994.
  After the war, President Harry Truman called on Major General Alison 
to serve as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Aeronautics. In this 
role, he developed thoughtful recommendations on U.S. foreign policy 
relating to the Soviet Union, the Marshall Plan, and the European 
Recovery Program. These recommendations and other documents from his 
time as Assistant Secretary are held at the Harry S. Truman Library and 
Museum.
  Madam Speaker, Major General John R. Alison has spent his life 
fighting for our country as a pilot and a public servant. Never 
wavering in his commitment to freedom and the ideals of our country, he 
sets a high standard for all Americans. I am proud to call him my 
friend, and I trust that my fellow members of the House will join me in 
recognizing this courageous and talented American.

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