Presentation Date: July 26, 2012
George W. Allen, Jr.
A former B-29 tail gunner and "Flying Sergeant" pilot in World War 2, George was born in Norfolk. Virginia, in 1926. At age 17, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps as an Aviation Cadet.
After initial training as a B-29 tail gunner, he was assigned to the 20th Air Force, 58th Bomb Wing, 462nd Bomb Group, 768th Squadron.
George served in India, Buma, China, Guam, Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima. He flew on the first fire raid over Tokyo.
For excellence in combat, George was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters, and a Presidential Unit Citation.
After his military service, he attended American University in Washington, D.C.
Then he worked for Capital Airlines at Washington National Airport. In June 1961, Capital merged with United Airlines. At both airlines, for 25 years George held various jobs including airplane mechanic and production controller.