Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Staff Sergeant

Unit:

Company F, 414th Infantry Regiment, 104th Infantry Division "Timberwolf", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

January 10th, 1945

"For gallantry in action in Germany. On 20 November 1944 the company to which Sergeant ALLEN was assigned was moving into a town already partially secured by two companies of the battalion. Leading elements of the company sighted an enemy patrol advancing boldly and, believing that they wished to surrender, failed to fire on them. Reaching the intersection the enemy treacherously opened fire killing one man, wounding another, and driving the rest to cover. Immediately the enemy placed a machine gun on the street corner and began firing at the advancing column forcing the men to take cover between the buildings of the narrow street. Sergeant ALLEN secured additional hand grenades from nearby men and, at great risk to his life, crawled up a road-side ditch, which was just deep enough to protect him. Reaching a point across the intersection from the machine gun, Sgt ALLEN threw his grenades from a prone position and forced the enemy to abandon their gun. When later it became necessary for his company to withdraw, the enemy again moved their gun to a firing position, but were driven off by Sgt. ALLEN, single-handely. Voluntarily and in spite of heavy fire and extreme danger of being cut off from the rear, Sgt. ALLEN remained at his post and repeatedly denied the enemy the use of the road crossing until his company had successfully withdrawn to security without further casulaties. His courageous action, carried out entirely on his own initiative, undoubtedly saved the lives of many of his comrades. Sgt. ALLEN's bravery, above and beyond the call of duty, is in keeping with the finest traditions of the armed forces and reflects the highest credit on himself and the military service. Entered military service from Staunton, Virginia."