12/21/2010 - Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. John R. Alison shares a laugh with Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley (right) and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz (left) during his 98th birthday salute Dec. 20, 2010, in Alexandria, Va. The salute was sponsored by the Air Force Association. General Alison is a highly decorated World War II combat ace and Korean War veteran. He had seven confirmed and numerous probable kills while flying with, and commanding, the 75th Fighter Squadron "Flying Tigers." He also is known as the father of Air Force special operations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Raheem Moore)