Elwyn Alford Allen was born September 27, 1919, on the family farm near Sinks Grove, West Virginia, the middle child of Charles H. and Mary Alford Allen.
Charles and Mary Allen Courtesy Don Sibold
Elwyn Allen (middle) and some of his siblings Courtesy Don Sibold
Elwyn and his family were heavily involved in 4-H work and education. He was educated in Monroe County schools and at the National Business College in Roanoke, Virginia. Beginning at age 11 he was an active member of Trinity Methodist Church in Pickaway in Monroe County.
Elwyn entered the Army on September 5, 1941, and was commissioned a second lieutenant in June 1942 in Miami, Florida. He was promoted to first lieutenant in January 1943 and in May of that year was commissioned a captain.
In June 1943 Elwyn Allen was serving with the ground forces of the Army Air Corps in North Africa when he became ill with cerebrospinal meningitis. He died on June 5 and was buried in a cemetery in Carthage, Tunis. In 1948, Captain Allen's body was returned to the United States aboard the Army Transport Barney Kirschbaum and on June 4 was laid to rest in Lebanon Cemetery.
Elwyn Alford Allen Courtesy Don Sibold
Information and photographs provided by Don Sibold, Monroe Watchman
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