David Allen was a member of the crew of the U.S.S. Penguin, in port at Guam when the Japanese attacked and severely damaged his ship on December 8, 1941. The crew scuttled the Penguin to keep it from falling into enemy hands before making their way to shore to continue their defense of the Island. All but six of these men were captured within the first 48 hours and interned as prisoners of war.
Sponsored by:
David
Martin
Allen
POW (WWII)
Home:
,
Texas
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Gunner’s Mate Third ClassDivision:
U.S.S. Penguin (AM-33)Action Date:
December 8, 1941
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunner’s Mate Third Class David Martin Allen (NSN: 3558102), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 8 December 1941 while serving on the U.S.S. PENGUIN (AM-33) in Guam, in maintaining a high rate of fire from the .50 caliber Anti-Aircraft Battery against attacking Japanese planes in the face of constant bombing and strafing, contributing to the downing of one plane, although badly wounded himself.. His indomitable fighting spirit and tenacious devotion to duty in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Gunner’s Mate Third ClassDivision:
Prisoner of War (Japan)Action Date:
December 8, 1941 – August 1945
NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 – 1947Gunner’s Mate Third Class David Martin Allen (NSN: 3558102), United States Navy, was captured on Guam after the sinking of his ship, the U.S.S. PENGUIN (AM-33), on 8 December 1941, and was interned as a Prisoner of War until the end of hostilities in August 1945.