David Martin Allen

Gunner's Mate 2nd Class, U. S. Navy

Silver Star

David Allen was a member of the crew of the U.S.S. 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.

GENERAL ORDERS:
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunner's Mate Third Class David Martin Allen (NSN: 3558102), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 8 December 1941 while serving on the U.S.S. PENGUIN (AM-33) in Guam, in maintaining a high rate of fire from the .50 caliber Anti-Aircraft Battery against attacking Japanese planes in the face of constant bombing and strafing, contributing to the downing of one plane, although badly wounded himself. His indomitable fighting spirit and tenacious devotion to duty in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

GENERAL ORDERS:
NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 - 1947
CITATION:
Gunner's Mate Third Class David Martin Allen (NSN: 3558102), United States Navy, was captured on Guam after the sinking of his ship, the U.S.S. PENGUIN (AM-33), on 8 December 1941, and was interned as a Prisoner of War until the end of hostilities in August 1945.