Alison, John R. -- oral history interview, circa 1965

File — Box: 1

Scope and Contents

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In this two-part oral history, fighter ace John R. Alison is interviewed about his military service with the United States Army Air Corps. In part one, Alison describes the early stages of his military career, including his flight training and his time as a fighter pilot with the 8th Pursuit Group. He also shares anecdotes about himself and fellow pilots. In part two, Alison describes his experiences as a demonstration and fighter pilot during World War II, including his time as an assistant military attaché in England and the Soviet Union and his combat tours in the China-Burma-India Theater with the China Air Task Force and the 1st Air Commando Group.

The interview is conducted by fellow fighter ace Eugene A. Valencia and by John Florea, a former war correspondent for Life Magazine. Speakers are identified in the transcript whenever possible. Part one also includes an introduction by Merian C. Cooper, United States Army Air Forces officer and film director.

Dates

Creation: circa 1965

Creator

From the Collection: American Fighter Aces Association (Organization)

Language of Materials

From the Collection:

All materials are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research. Due to preservation concerns, digital copies should be utilized instead of original materials. There is limited access to undigitized content.

Biographical Note: John R. Alison

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John R. Alison was born on November 21, 1912 in Micanopy, Florida. He joined the United States Army Air Corps in 1936 and graduated from flight school the following year. After serving as an assistant military attaché to England and the Soviet Union, Alison was assigned to the China Air Task Force, the successor of the American Volunteer Group, under General Claire Chennault. He flew two combat tours in the China-Burma-India Theater, one with the 23rd Fighter Group and one as commander of the 1st Air Commando Group. Alison remained in the Air Force Reserve after World War II and retired as a major general in 1972. He also served as Assistant Secretary of Commerce from 1947 to 1949 and as an executive for the Northrop Corporation until his retirement in 1984. Alison passed away in 2011.