Born: March 6, 1916
Died: December 30, 1972
Campaigns Served: Namur, Saipan (wounded)
Highest Rank Attained: Private First Class
Decorations: Purple Heart
Connie Allen was born in North Carolina in 1916. His father Darry had a farm in Ingrams; as a youth, Connie was the principal help on the farm, appearing in the 1930 Census with the occupation "farm hand." Mother Geneva Allen died in 1932; Darry followed her in 1934, leaving the two eldest siblings - Connie and his sister, Mattie - in charge of the family. Connie enlisted in the Marines in 1940. He saw his first duty in Cuba with Battery C of the 11th Marines.
Allen was eventually transferred to Baker Company, 24th Marines, as a corporal. He was busted to Private First Class after going over the hill on Christmas Day, 1943. Allen made his first beachhead on Namur as a rifleman.
The loss of rank was meant solely to make an example; Connie Allen was still regarded as an able leader. He was given command of a fire team during the spring of 1944, and led them into combat on Saipan.
Allen was wounded in action on June 16, 1944, and was evacuated. He was transferred to a Naval hospital on July 20, 1944, and saw no further combat.
Connie Allen died in 1972.