Killed in Action WWII
France
103rd Infantry Division
Given name Lee Gordon Allen
World War II Veteran
Early on the morning of December 2, 1944, members of B Company had taken cover in a house in Sélestat when they came under heavy shelling from German tanks firing directly into the house, followed by concussion grenades. The Americans inside were trapped, their condition unknown.
The official citation issued in recognition of Sergeant Allen's Silver Star explains what happened next: "Without further orders, [Allen] organized a squad for an advance on this enemy held position. He successfully located the house and finding three wounded soldiers, calmly prepared them for evacuation. Sergeant Allen then returned to his platoon and organized an assault on the enemy position. With utter disregard for his life he led his platoon forward, knowing that no communications were available to contact support in the rear. When pinned down by strong enemy fire, he placed his men in comparative safety. Then showing great devotion to duty, he fearlessly exposed himself to enemy fire in order that the source of the fire could be ascertained. Sergeant Allen was last seen gallantly carrying out this valiant task." The citation concludes, "Throughout this action his conduct was in accordance with the highest traditions of military service." Sélestat was liberated two days later.
Contributor: Michael DeLost (47447868) • [email protected]
France
103rd Infantry Division
Given name Lee Gordon Allen
World War II Veteran
Early on the morning of December 2, 1944, members of B Company had taken cover in a house in Sélestat when they came under heavy shelling from German tanks firing directly into the house, followed by concussion grenades. The Americans inside were trapped, their condition unknown.
The official citation issued in recognition of Sergeant Allen's Silver Star explains what happened next: "Without further orders, [Allen] organized a squad for an advance on this enemy held position. He successfully located the house and finding three wounded soldiers, calmly prepared them for evacuation. Sergeant Allen then returned to his platoon and organized an assault on the enemy position. With utter disregard for his life he led his platoon forward, knowing that no communications were available to contact support in the rear. When pinned down by strong enemy fire, he placed his men in comparative safety. Then showing great devotion to duty, he fearlessly exposed himself to enemy fire in order that the source of the fire could be ascertained. Sergeant Allen was last seen gallantly carrying out this valiant task." The citation concludes, "Throughout this action his conduct was in accordance with the highest traditions of military service." Sélestat was liberated two days later.
Contributor: Michael DeLost (47447868) • [email protected]
Killed in Action WWII
France
103rd Infantry Division
Given name Lee Gordon Allen
World War II Veteran
Early on the morning of December 2, 1944, members of B Company had taken cover in a house in Sélestat when they came under heavy shelling from German tanks firing directly into the house, followed by concussion grenades. The Americans inside were trapped, their condition unknown.
The official citation issued in recognition of Sergeant Allen's Silver Star explains what happened next: "Without further orders, [Allen] organized a squad for an advance on this enemy held position. He successfully located the house and finding three wounded soldiers, calmly prepared them for evacuation. Sergeant Allen then returned to his platoon and organized an assault on the enemy position. With utter disregard for his life he led his platoon forward, knowing that no communications were available to contact support in the rear. When pinned down by strong enemy fire, he placed his men in comparative safety. Then showing great devotion to duty, he fearlessly exposed himself to enemy fire in order that the source of the fire could be ascertained. Sergeant Allen was last seen gallantly carrying out this valiant task." The citation concludes, "Throughout this action his conduct was in accordance with the highest traditions of military service." Sélestat was liberated two days later.
Contributor: Michael DeLost (47447868) • [email protected]
France
103rd Infantry Division
Given name Lee Gordon Allen
World War II Veteran
Early on the morning of December 2, 1944, members of B Company had taken cover in a house in Sélestat when they came under heavy shelling from German tanks firing directly into the house, followed by concussion grenades. The Americans inside were trapped, their condition unknown.
The official citation issued in recognition of Sergeant Allen's Silver Star explains what happened next: "Without further orders, [Allen] organized a squad for an advance on this enemy held position. He successfully located the house and finding three wounded soldiers, calmly prepared them for evacuation. Sergeant Allen then returned to his platoon and organized an assault on the enemy position. With utter disregard for his life he led his platoon forward, knowing that no communications were available to contact support in the rear. When pinned down by strong enemy fire, he placed his men in comparative safety. Then showing great devotion to duty, he fearlessly exposed himself to enemy fire in order that the source of the fire could be ascertained. Sergeant Allen was last seen gallantly carrying out this valiant task." The citation concludes, "Throughout this action his conduct was in accordance with the highest traditions of military service." Sélestat was liberated two days later.
Contributor: Michael DeLost (47447868) • [email protected]
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