Allen's Life
Allen's life, unfortunately, was a short one, but he experienced a great deal in the 26 years he had: loss, love, fear, happiness...
Loss
Allen's story begins at age three with the loss of his mother, Ethel. Upon her, death, Allen's maternal grandparents raised him, because his father either could not take care of Allen due to the Great Depression, or could not raise Allen as a single parent. Allen grew up in Madison County on his grandparents' diary farm, but did not stay there when he became an adult. Instead, Allen attended college with the desire to pursue a career in banking.
Happiness and Love
Allen moved to Ashland, Kentucky and married Lola Tipton in 1941. There, Allen obtained a job with the Ashland Oil and Refining Company. Allen and Lola were devoted members of the Unity Baptist Church, where Lola’s father was the pastor. The newlyweds had one year together before Allen was called for duty.
Fear
In 1942, Allen was called for active duty with the 29th Infantry Division of the 116th Regiment of the United States Army. He was to sent to England to train for two years in preparation for his D-Day mission (see Allen's Mission).
Loss
Allen's story begins at age three with the loss of his mother, Ethel. Upon her, death, Allen's maternal grandparents raised him, because his father either could not take care of Allen due to the Great Depression, or could not raise Allen as a single parent. Allen grew up in Madison County on his grandparents' diary farm, but did not stay there when he became an adult. Instead, Allen attended college with the desire to pursue a career in banking.
Happiness and Love
Allen moved to Ashland, Kentucky and married Lola Tipton in 1941. There, Allen obtained a job with the Ashland Oil and Refining Company. Allen and Lola were devoted members of the Unity Baptist Church, where Lola’s father was the pastor. The newlyweds had one year together before Allen was called for duty.
Fear
In 1942, Allen was called for active duty with the 29th Infantry Division of the 116th Regiment of the United States Army. He was to sent to England to train for two years in preparation for his D-Day mission (see Allen's Mission).