A conflict hero from 80 years in the past can be honored this month on the College of Memphis. The college is bestowing an honorary diploma to the household of a World Warfare II military pilot named Arthur Allen Jr., drafted into the conflict whereas a scholar and tragically by no means returned to campus.
“He was a really well-known scholar on the College of Memphis, then Memphis State School,” mentioned Allen’s nephew Frank Allen, in an interview with Army.com. “My uncle was on the soccer crew, the tennis crew, and editor of the yearbook. He was very concerned within the college.”
Allen was simply 23 years outdated in 1943 when he was killed whereas serving as a bomber pilot in World Warfare II. He had been drafted into the military, and was stationed at RAF Bury St. Edmunds, a U.S. Air Base close to Suffolk, England. He was combating towards Germany, flying a airplane with different military service members on board, when gunfire shot into the cockpit. Allen was the one service member killed, slicing quick his life and faculty profession.
“Earlier than his demise, he had shot down 12 German plane not less than. He acquired two distinguished air medals and a Purple Coronary heart, amongst different honors,” mentioned Allen. “He flew 19 or 20 missions and was about to be promoted to captain when he was despatched out once more on what could be his final mission.”
Many years later, the Allen household made it their very own mission to have the previous Memphis State School, now the College of Memphis, honor their conflict hero relative for his service and sacrifice for the nation.
“He’ll obtain a posthumous diploma. I have been asking for this for the final couple of years for the college to do that,” mentioned Allen. “I assume I lastly discovered the correct particular person, and so they made it occur.”
Documentary Shares Younger Warfare Hero’s Ideas
Recognizing Allen was made simpler after a documentary about his life, which was produced by his household titled, “Ramblings of a Bomber Pilot.” Accessible on Amazon Prime, Tubi and Roku, the movie takes a have a look at Allen’s younger life, his upbringing and his quick however significant army service.
“The movie permits him to talk from the grave,” mentioned Allen, whose household labored with filmmaker and director Austin Wealthy to convey the 2023 venture to life. “We used letters he wrote and a journal he saved to inform his story. It’s unbelievable.”
Within the movie, Allen’s writings are narrated for dramatic impact. He’s quoted in the course of the movie’s voiceover as calling World Warfare II a “godless conflict” whereas asking the questions, “Why does God enable this factor to go on. Why ought to males die?”
Allen’s ideas provide a glimpse into his struggles as a service member, and the care and concern he had as a younger scholar turned soldier.
“Proper after his demise, he acquired letters from the previous Dean of College students and the college’s former president expressing disappointment and their condolences,” mentioned Allen. “They knew Arthur extraordinarily effectively.”
Ceremony to Honor Allen With Scholar Veterans
Eight a long time later, Allen can be formally celebrated by the college the place his household ties run deep. Born in Talladega, Alabama, the Allen household settled within the Memphis space, the place a lot of his kin and descendants nonetheless dwell.
“It is simply an unbelievable honor,” mentioned Allen. “I graduated from the College of Memphis; my dad graduated from the varsity, and so did my mother. We’re a giant U. of M. household.”
Plans name for Allen to be acknowledged on April 23, 2026, in a bigger ceremony honoring different college students who’re additionally army veterans. His nephew Frank and different relations can be available as the varsity offers their beloved one the diploma he by no means had the prospect to complete.
“He was simply so multi-talented. He was a thinker and a believer, and he beloved his crew,” mentioned Allen. “I’m happy with the truth that he can lastly relaxation in peace with a level from U. of M. in his title.”
