Memorial

More information

T/Sgt Charles W. Allen enlisted on 21 January, 1943 in Los Angeles, California. He was employed by Dewing Co.
On 20 June 44, they led the group's low left squadron to bomb the heavily defended refineries at Politz. On the way to target just as they reached Rugen Island, they were attacked by enemy fighters. Kehoe recalls, "A loud explosion was my first indication that we had been hit. When I turned around the whole flight deck was in flames." His co-pilot left his seat to see if he could put the fire out. The whole plane was filled with smoke and for a time no one could see. Kehoe gave the order to bail but wasn't sure if the bell or intercom was working. As the smoke semi-cleared few minutes later, Kehoe discovered he was the only one left. Of the ten others who had bailed, only two, Grossman and Redmond were lucky enough to be picked up by German patrol boats near Sassnitz. T/Sgt Allen was discovered on 24 July, 1944 at the Baltic Sea and buried at Sassnitz Cemetery, Rügen, Germany.