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SSgt Robert Bruce McClelland, Jr.
to remember
Alison, John Richardson, Maj Gen USAF(Ret).
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Contact Info
Home Town Gainesville, Florida
Last Address Washington, DC
Date of Passing Jun 06, 2011
Location of Interment Arlington National Cemetery (VLM) - Arlington, Virginia
He was credited with 6 victories in aerial combat plus 1 probable and 1 damaged. He and Col. Philip Cochran were the legendary co-commanders of the 1st Air Commando Group.
His DSC citation: Awarded for actions during World War II
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major (Air Corps) John R. Alison (ASN: 0-21393), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-40 Fighter Airplane in the 16th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Group, TENTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 30 July 1942, over Hengyang, China. On that date, Major Alison took off in a P-40 fighting plane at 1:00 a.m. to intercept an enemy formation of three heavy bombers flying at 15,000 feet over Hengyang. Without hesitation, he closed for attack upon this superior force, and although receiving fire from the hostile wing ships in engine and cockpit, he delivered fire in succession to each of the three bombers, two of which burst into flames and crashed. The other turned from the attack with smoke pouring from both engines and probably did not reach its home base. With his damaged plane failing and pursuit impossible, Major 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. Being unable to reach the field, he landed in a nearby river, from which his plane was salvaged. 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 Alison displayed extraordinary heroism and outstanding skill. His unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 10th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces. General Orders:Â Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces-China/Burma/India, General Orders No. 8 (September 12, 1942)
The CG-4A could be towed at a maximum safe speed of 150 miles per hour with a gross weight load of 7,500 pounds. It was often towed at a slower speed of 110 to 130 m.p.h. The gliders were usually towed behind a C-47 tow plane on a 300 foot nylon rope. 1" in diameter.
General characteristics
* Crew: two (pilot and co-pilot) * Capacity: 13 troops, or quarter-ton truck and 3 troops, or 6 litters * Length: 48 ft 8 in (14.8 m) * Wingspan: 83 ft 8 in (25.5 m) * Height: 15 ft 4 in (4.7 m) * Wing area: 900 ft² (83.6 m²) * Empty weight: 3,790 lb (1,719 kg) * Max takeoff weight: 7,500 lb (3,400 kg) * *Max take off (Emergency Load): 9,000 lb (4,091 kg)
Performance
* Maximum speed: 150 mph[2] (240 km/h[3]) at 7,500 lb (3,400 kg) * Cruise speed: CAS 72.6 mph[4] (117 km/h[5]) * Stall speed: CAS 49 mph[6] (79 km/h[7]) with design load 7,500 lb (3,400 kg) * Wing loading: 8.81 lb/ft² () * Rate of sink: About 400 ft/min (122 m/min) at tactical glide speed (CAS 60 mph/96 km/h) * Landing run: 600-800 feet (180-244 m) for normal three-point landing
