JSMosby
06-08-2011, 13:42
John R. Alison, WWII Ace, Flying Tiger, Burma Raider...RIP at 98 (http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/john-r-alison-daring-wwii-ace-who-led-burma-invasion-dies-at-98/2011/06/07/AGZgdXLH_story.html)
Gen. Alison and Cochran’s unit, soon renamed the 1st Air Commando Group, has been credited as one of the American military’s first special operations forces. According to the Air Force, the mission in Burma marked the first U.S. aerial invasion into enemy territory and the first nighttime heavy glider assault landing. The 1st Air Commando Group also was the first American military unit to use helicopters in combat.
Gen. Alison and Cochran’s unit, soon renamed the 1st Air Commando Group, has been credited as one of the American military’s first special operations forces. According to the Air Force, the mission in Burma marked the first U.S. aerial invasion into enemy territory and the first nighttime heavy glider assault landing. The 1st Air Commando Group also was the first American military unit to use helicopters in combat.