Edward Henry Allen

Edward Henry Allen
Born	(1908-03-02)March 2, 1908 Pekin, North Dakota
Died	May 7, 1942(1942-05-07) (aged 34) at sea Coral Sea
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Navy
Years of service	1931-1942
Rank	Lieutenant
Unit	Scouting Squadron 2 Lexington (CV-2)
Battles/wars	World War II *Battle of the Coral Sea
Awards	Navy Cross and Gold Star in lieu of a second Navy Cross

Edward Henry Allen (March 2, 1908 – May 7, 1942) was a member of the United States Navy 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 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. He was awarded a Navy Cross 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; sponsored by Mrs. David H. Clark; and commissioned 16 December 1943, Lieutenant Commander M. M. Sanford in command.

Attribution

 This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.