RIP John Alison

[ghettodub]

Rest in peace to a really cool old WWII vet. Not a lot of these guys left anymore...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/...XLH_story.html

[alxone]

the Chinese pointed to the P-40 and said, “We need 100 of these.”“No,” Chennault said, pointing to the daring pilot, “you need 100 of these.”


great story

[Bailey Guns]

I just watched an episode of "Dogfights" a few days ago. John Alison was one of those profiled.

A true American Hero.

[Mtn.man]

I saw that too.

RIP Mr. Alison.

[Seamonkey]

R.I.P. Mr. Alison

[GhostRider]

R.I.P. Sir, Your job here is done,

[Colorado Pete]

When I saw the thread title the first thought in my head was of "Johnny Alison" from Col. Robert L. Scott's memoir "God is My Co-Pilot", detailing his days in China as CO of the 23rd Fighter Group. Did not for a minute think the thread was going to be about that same guy! 98 years old, God bless him. RIP and well done pilot!

The reference to him ditching his shot-up P-40 in a river is detailed in Scott's book. The planes (and spare parts) were so scarce that the Chinese locals dived down into the river and constructed a raft of bamboo under the submerged plane and floated it back to the surface for recovery!