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

in 1931. He served with Scouting

Squadron Squadron may refer to: * Squadron (army), a military unit of cavalry, tanks, or equivalent subdivided into troops or tank companies * Squadron (aviation), a military unit that consists of three or four flights with a total of 12 to 24 aircraft, de ...

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 batt ...

. 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

: 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