Introduction

January 2nd, 1993 I married Jennifer S. Allen. That day I had no clue that I was also becoming a second generation member of the 449th Bomb Group Association. In fact I knew nothing about the 449th. My father had been a member of the Navy’s Construction Battalion in the South Pacific and my mother had served state side in the Coast Guards.

Early in 2013 Jennifer asked if I would be willing to help her take her parents to the 449th BGA’s reunion. I agreed. We went. And the experience changed my life.

“Doc”, as John Allen, Jr. is known in Pike County, is proud of his service in WWII and his time in the 449th Bombardment Group (H). In recent years it would be a common sight to see “Doc” wearing his 449th BGA hat. He also has his favorites stories to tell, some of which I’ve heard many times.

In 2015 I decided it was time to put the story of his service time in WWII down on paper. We started off by creating a timeline from his induction to his discharge. Once that was completed we documented some of his favorite stories. Then I added pictures he had saved and some of his service records.

Finally, since no story of a veteran who survived their service in WWII is complete without sharing some of the veterans’ life after the war, I added items from that period too.

I’m thankful that I took the time to create this accounting of Sgt. John R. Allen, Jr.’s service. I only wish he were able to attend the 449th’s 2016 reunion so he could see his book in The National WWII Museum’s archives.

I hope it gives others the appreciation for what many individuals did during that time of great National need.

John R. Allen Jr.
Chillicothe VA Hospital
July 20th, 2016