RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, John Richardson Alison has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of ninety-eight; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, John Richardson Alison was a decorated World War II fighter pilot and the loving husband of Kathleen "Penni"; and
WHEREAS, John Richardson Alison was the much adored father of John R. Ill and David P. and the grandfather of three to whom he imparted many of the fine and noble qualities that he possessed in abundance; and
WHEREAS, A retired Major General in the United States Army Air Forces, John Richardson Alison led by example and was hand-picked by General Henry "Hap" Arnold as the Deputy Commander of a daring top secret mission in 1943 dubbed "Operation Thursday"; and
WHEREAS, John Richardson Alison played an instrumental role in the operation that flew nearly nine-thousand troops behind enemy lines into the Japanese-held jungles of Burma; and
WHEREAS, John Richardson Alison piloted the first in a group of Waco CG-4A glider planes that were towed behind C-47 transports and released to make risky landings; and
WHEREAS, Recognized as a flying "ace," John Richardson Alison was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Order presented by King George VI of Great Britain and the Army Distinguished Service Cross; and
WHEREAS, Following his military service, John Richardson Alison enjoyed a successful career as an executive with Northrop Corporation; and
WHEREAS, The bravery, sacrifice and dedication of John Richardson Alison serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, His love of life and ability to live it to the fullest endeared John Richardson Alison to his family members, friends and all who knew him, and enabled him to enrich their lives in ways they will never forget; and
WHEREAS, John Richardson Alison was an individual of great integrity and accomplishment who will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his many relatives, friends and admirers; and
WHEREAS, To his beloved family, John Richardson Alison imparts a legacy of faithfulness, service and dignity; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this sixth day of July, 2011, do hereby commemorate John Richardson Alison for his grace-filled life and do hereby express our condolences to his family; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of John Richardson Alison.
Alderman - 14th Ward