He is not remembered individually, but collectively, as a part of his regiment, division, battalion, war, and country. He is remembered for his valor, for his sacrifices, and for his fight for freedom. He had a short life, in which he experienced matrimony, loss, fear, and happiness. Because of his ultimate sacrifice, he was deprived of many of life's joys: children, a successful career, and growing old with his wife.
His name was Allen Perry Moberly.
Born in Lexington, Kentucky, in 1919, he moved 30 miles south to Richmond at the age of three, after his mothers death, to be reared by his maternal grandparents on their dairy farm.
As a young adult, Allen was not content with a life of farming; he aspired to be a banker. After graduating from high school in 1938, he attended one year of college, married Lola Tipton, and began a career in banking. The couple lived in Ashland, Kentucky when, in 1942, Allen was called for active duty with the 29th Infantry Division.
As part of the 116th Regiment, 3rd battalion, L Company, Allen's mission was much the same as other divisions: capture the beach exits crucial to the Allied advance. 125 L Company soldiers survived the D-Day landing on Omaha Beach; unfortunately, Allen was one of the companies 34 casualties. He was wounded somewhere between disembarking and crossing the 200 yards of beach. The artillery fire was light, and the company suffered no fatalities on the beach. Allen, however, was wounded during this advance, and died from those wounds on June 7th.
Today, we pay tribute to Allen for his ultimate sacrifice. He respected, fought, and died for his country; now it is our privilege to honor him for the life he gave for us. Allen and his fellow fallen soldiers have set the example for bravery and patriotism for generations of soldiers and civilians alike.
Allen, to us you represent the many whose names and faces will be lost to time. There are no memorials or plaques here, or at home to honor you, but with these words, we ensure you will never be forgotten.
— Brad T. Shoopman
His name was Allen Perry Moberly.
Born in Lexington, Kentucky, in 1919, he moved 30 miles south to Richmond at the age of three, after his mothers death, to be reared by his maternal grandparents on their dairy farm.
As a young adult, Allen was not content with a life of farming; he aspired to be a banker. After graduating from high school in 1938, he attended one year of college, married Lola Tipton, and began a career in banking. The couple lived in Ashland, Kentucky when, in 1942, Allen was called for active duty with the 29th Infantry Division.
As part of the 116th Regiment, 3rd battalion, L Company, Allen's mission was much the same as other divisions: capture the beach exits crucial to the Allied advance. 125 L Company soldiers survived the D-Day landing on Omaha Beach; unfortunately, Allen was one of the companies 34 casualties. He was wounded somewhere between disembarking and crossing the 200 yards of beach. The artillery fire was light, and the company suffered no fatalities on the beach. Allen, however, was wounded during this advance, and died from those wounds on June 7th.
Today, we pay tribute to Allen for his ultimate sacrifice. He respected, fought, and died for his country; now it is our privilege to honor him for the life he gave for us. Allen and his fellow fallen soldiers have set the example for bravery and patriotism for generations of soldiers and civilians alike.
Allen, to us you represent the many whose names and faces will be lost to time. There are no memorials or plaques here, or at home to honor you, but with these words, we ensure you will never be forgotten.
— Brad T. Shoopman