Edward Henry Allen (March 2, 1908 – May 7, 1942) was a member of the

United States Navy The United States Navy (USN) is the naval warfare, maritime military branch, service branch of the United States Department of Defense. It is the world's most powerful navy with the largest Displacement (ship), displacement, at 4.5 millio ...

who was awarded the Navy Cross and Gold Star for his heroism.

Navy career

Born in Pekin, North Dakota, Allen graduated from the

U.S. Naval Academy The United States Naval Academy (USNA, Navy, or Annapolis) is a federal service academy in Annapolis, Maryland. It was established on 10 October 1845 during the tenure of George Bancroft as Secretary of the Navy. The Naval Academy is the sec ...

in 1931. He served with Scouting Squadron 2 in ''Lexington'' (CV-2).

Awarded the Navy Cross and Gold Star

Lieutenant Allen was reported missing 7 May 1942 when his plane was shot down by enemy aircraft during the

Battle of the Coral Sea The Battle of the Coral Sea, from 4 to 8 May 1942, was a major naval battle between the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) and naval and air forces of the United States and Australia. Taking place in the Pacific Theatre of World War II, the battle ...

. He was awarded a

Navy Cross The Navy Cross is the United States Naval Service's second-highest military decoration awarded for sailors and marines who distinguish themselves for extraordinary heroism in combat with an armed enemy force. The medal is equivalent to the Army ...

for the defense of his carrier 20 February 1942 and a Gold Star in lieu of a second Navy Cross for the action in which he lost his life.

Namesake

''Edward H. Allen'' (DE-531) was launched 7 October 1943 by

Boston Navy Yard The Boston Navy Yard, originally called the Charlestown Navy Yard and later Boston Naval Shipyard, was one of the oldest shipbuilding facilities in the United States Navy. It was established in 1801 as part of the recent establishment of t ...

; sponsored by Mrs. David H. Clark; and commissioned 16 December 1943, Lieutenant Commander M. M. Sanford in command.

Attribution

: 1908 births 1942 deaths Aviators killed by being shot down People from Nelson County, North Dakota Recipients of the Navy Cross (United States) United States Naval Academy alumni United States Naval Aviators United States Navy officers United States Navy personnel killed in World War II Victims of aviation accidents or incidents in international waters Victims of aviation accidents or incidents in 1942 {{US-navy-bio-stub