The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Gordon L. Allen (MCSN: 0-10926), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy as a member of a carrier-based Marine Attack Squadron in Korea. On 14 July 1953, Major Allen, in answer to an urgent request for all available air support, led a division of Marine attack aircraft against a major enemy troop concentration near Kumsong, North Korea. Despite extremely rough seas, a fifty mile per hour gale sweeping the carrier’s deck and a heavy overcast, conditions that would normally preclude combat flight operations from an aircraft carrier, Major Allen safely led his division into the air, through the instrument weather and directly to the target area,. Over the objective the adverse weather prevented dive bombing attacks and he was compelled to conduct his bombing runs by the use of radar. Displaying exceptional professional ability, he scored direct bomb hits that inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. After directing his flight in a highly successful bombing assault, he safely led the division back to the carrier. Major Allen’s outstanding accuracy and exemplary leadership were responsible for the success of a mission that disrupted and repulsed one of the largest enemy offensives in over two years, thereby substantially reducing pressure on front line elements of the United Nations ground forces. His courageous conduct, exceptional initiative and steadfast devotion to duty throughout reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 9869 (October 1, 1947)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Gordon L. Allen (MCSN: 0-10926), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Solomon Islands Area from 15 to 23 April 1943. Captain Allen completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
First LieutenantAction Date:
November 15 – December 29, 1942
Commander South Pacific Force & Area: Serial 00596 (March 29, 1943)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Gordon L. Allen (MCSN: 0-10926), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while participating in aerial attacks against Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands area during the period from 14 November to 29 December 1942. As pilot of a Marine Scout Bomber on 14 November 1942, Lieutenant Allen sank an enemy troop transport with a direct hit. On 27 December 1942 he scored a direct hit on an enemy cargo ship in Wickham Anchorage and on 29 December he again made a direct hit on a cargo vessel in the same location. In all these actions, Lieutenant Allen was opposed by heavy anti-aircraft fire and at times by enemy fighter planes. With complete disregard for his own safety, he pressed home his attacks with skill and determination. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
First LieutenantAction Date:
January 15, 1943
Commander South Pacific Force & Area: Serial 0735 (May 2, 1943)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Gordon L. Allen (MCSN: 0-10926), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in action against Japanese forces while serving with a Marine Aircraft Group in the Solomon Islands area on 15 January 1943. As section leader of a dive-bomber flight, he participated in an attack on nine fighter escorted enemy destroyers. Despite heavy anti-aircraft fire and radical maneuvers of the destroyers, he pressed home his attack with such determination that he obtained a direct hit on an enemy vessel by releasing his bomb at such a low altitude that the destroyer was unable to turn before the bomb found its mark. His courageous and skillful conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.