John P. Allen

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to John P. Allen (RA35016145), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Sergeant Allen distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces Ghingdon-ni, Korea, on 15 September 1950. When Company G was ordered to attack an enemy position, Sergeant Allen’s platoon became heavily engaged, Sergeant Allen was ordered to move his machine-gun squad to a ridge in order to better support the attack. When he reached the ridge line and began setting up his machine-gun to support the attacking elements, an enemy soldier threw a grenade in the middle of the squad. With complete disregard for his own life, Sergeant Allen threw his body over the grenade in order to protect his men; however, the grenade failed to explode. Sergeant Allen’s squad was so inspired by this action that they delivered the seriously needed supporting fire with great ferocity, aiding the attacking elements to take the objective and accomplish their mission. Sergeant Allen’s gallant offer to sacrifice his life and his dauntless leadership were an inspiration to all men who witnessed the action.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 64 (February 10, 1951)