He was attached to the staff of 1st Marine Division under Major General Oliver P. Smith in July 1950 and sailed for Korea as assistant chief of staff for logistics. McAlister participated in the Inchon Landing at the beginning of September. Thank to his efforts, he organized and capably developed the G-4 section into a smoothly functioning and highly efficient organization. Constantly alert and aggressive, he provided the commanding general with accurate information on the extent of logistical support that could be given to any proposed tactical course of action and made sound recommendations concerning necessary decisions regarding supply, thereby contributing essentially to the success achieved by his division in operations against the enemy. McAlister also took part in the Second Battle of Seoul at the end of September of the same year and later the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.