JOHN "JACK" V. ALLISON

Final Flight on November 02, 2011

John "Jack" V. Allison, Colonel, USAF (Retired)

September 07, 1926 - November 02, 2011

John "Jack" Allison (1926 – 2011)

Col. Jack Allison, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), passed away Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2011, after a courageous battle with several medical issues.

He was born on Sept. 7, 1926, in Memphis, Tenn. Col. Allison is survived by his wife, Evelyn; their three children and spouses; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Col. Allison's service spanned almost 35 years, including a few years in the Navy. His career included being a Jolly Green helicopter pilot during the Son Tay Raid, for which he received the Air Force Cross.

The family plans a trip to Arlington National Cemetery in the spring where he will be interred.

REMEMBRANCES'

(Colonel Allison from Military Times "Hall Of Valor" website)

John V. Allison

Date of birth: 7-Sep-26

John Allison served as an Aviation Mechanic in the U.S. Navy during World War II. In 1950 he entered the U.S. Air Force Cadet program, earning his wings. Five Air Force Crosses were awarded in the attempted rescue of American Prisoners of War camp at Son Tay, North Vietnam. Colonel Warner Britton "Apple 1", Lieutenant Colonel John Allison "Apple 2", and Major Frederic Donohue "Apple 3" were HH-53 pilots awarded the Air Force Cross. Major Herbert Kalen "Banana 1" carried the lead elements of the assault force into an 85-foot clearing in the center of the camp where he crash landed his 73-foot long HH-3E helicopter. Technical Sergeant LeRoy Wright, a Helicopter Flight Mechanic aboard Major Kalen's aircraft was the only enlisted airman to receive the Air Force Cross in this mission that also netted 6 Distinguished Service Crosses and 83 Silver Stars. Colonel John Allison retired from the U.S. Air Force on August 31, 1978.

(Citations to accompany the awards presented to Col. Allison from Military Times "Hall Of Valor" website.)

AIR FORCE CROSS

Lieutenant Colonel John V. Allison for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an armed enemy of the United States as an Aircraft Commander during the Prisoner of War search and rescue operation at Son Tay, North Vietnam, on 21 November 1970. On that date, Colonel Allison flew a helicopter loaded with Special Forces troops into an extremely hostile environment. Prior to landing, he recognized that circumstances existing in the vicinity of the objective were considerably different than expected. He correctly assessed the new conditions, and at risk of life under adverse circumstances and without direction, implemented an alternate plan. Acting on his own, Colonel Allison's decision to undertake a new plan and deliver sustained accurate fire on the major enemy threat, a guard billet, played a large part in the tactical success of the operation. After all buildings were searched, Colonel Allison, without regard for his personal safety, landed and picked up and safely returned his troops through heavy surface-to-air missile activity. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Colonel Allison reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

LEGION OF MERIT

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel John V. Allison, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Director of Safety, Headquarters, Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service from 25 July 1974 to 31 August 1978. In this important position, the leadership, exemplary foresight, and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel Allison resulted in significant contributions to the effectiveness and success of the worldwide rescue mission. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Allison culminates a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major John V. Allison (AFSN: 0-28301), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as Rescue Crew Commander, in North Vietnam on 22 January 1968. On that date, Major Allison attempted to recover crew members of an aircraft shot down by a hostile aircraft. Disregarding the distinct possibility of a hostile trap, Major Allison pressed the rescue attempt to the utmost. Although his aircraft received a multitude of hits from hostile ground fire, he was able to cope with the emergency, complete an aerial refueling and return his aircraft to home base. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Allison reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS

(1ST OLC)

(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Major John V. Allison, United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia.

DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS

(2ND OLC)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major John V. Allison, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an HH-53B Rescue Crew Commander in Southeast Asia on 11 March 1968. On that date, Major Allison was flying a combat rescue mission attempting to evacuate a forward operating site under heavy attack by hostile forces. Although the site had been overrun by the time Major Allison arrived with his helicopter, and automatic weapons occasionally fired in spite of all efforts to suppress them, Major Allison hovered over a steep ridge near the site four times and successfully recovered nineteen friendly soldiers. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Major Allison reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

GUEST BOOK

November 06, 2011

Sorry to hear of this true hero's passing. Our thoughts are with you and your family.

~

Joseph Murray,

Fayetteville, North Carolina

November 06, 2011

Evie! Jack was one of the finest Commanders I hsd the honor to know and serve with in the USAF! And you both made my last assignment a great one to always remember! A big hug and love to you now and a toast to Jack on Veterans Day for our Fallen Hero's

~

Joe Ballinger,

Norton, Kansas

November 05, 2011

Dear Evelyn:

Our hearts go out to you and your family. We will miss Jack so much. He was an amazing man and friend and it is such an honor to have known him. We are thinking of you and giving you a hug. Take care of yourself. We all love you.

~

Barbara and Bonnie Britton,

Mobile, Alabama

November 05, 2011

"to the allison family, may God be your stronghold during these difficult times." Nahum 1:7

~

panama city, Florida

November 04, 2011

Allison Family, I would like to add my condolences in the loss of Colonel John Allison. As a Flight Engineer, I spent a many flight hours with him at the controls and he was personally responsibility for me making the USAF a career.

~

John Mahoney,

Fort Worth, Texas

November 04, 2011

Allison Family, my sincere sympathy to you for your loss. God rest Col. John “Jack” Allison's soul and may God comfort and protect you now and forever.

~

Jim Burns,

Navarre, Florida

November 04, 2011

Col Allison is a true Ameriican Hero as demonstrated by his attempt to rescue American POWs in North Viet Nam at Son Tay. It was an honor and a priviledge to serve on his crew at Brookley AFB for several years. He's one great pilot and the rescue community will miss him.

~

Tom Nesko, Crew 3.

November 04, 2011

Dear Allison Family, We are so sad to hear the news about Jack. What a great gentleman and veteran. We love him and your whole family so much. God Bless you all, and our prayers are with you. Becky(Britton)& Albert Van Hoogmoed.

~

Becky Van Hoogmoed,

Mobile, Alabama

November 04, 2011

RIP Col., Helicopter and Jolly Green crews appreciate your service. May God be with your family in this time of grieving.

~

Buck Watson,

Fort Walton Beach, Florida

"FREEDOM ISN'T FREE"

~SOMEONE PAYS FOR YOU AND ME~

"HELICOPTERS" - THE ONLY WAY TO FLY

~NEVER FORGOTTEN~