World War II Honoree

David Martin Allen

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Richland Springs, Texas

Honored By

Danny Jones

Served as a Gunner's Mate 2nd class. He was a member of the crew of the USS 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 until the end of hostilities August 1945. Awarded the silver star for gallantry in action and the prisoner of war medal and the purple heart.