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Allan M. Metzger graduated from Utica High School and attended Clarion State Teachers' College. He was employed as an inspector with the National Tube Company in McKeesport.

He volunteered for the Air Corps of the Army of the United States on 28 January 1942 in Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania. As an aviation cadet, he completed his basic training at Cochran Field in Georgia. He was transferred to Napier Field, Florida for advanced training and received his wings and promotion to lieutenant there. He was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant at Grenier Field in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Statement of 2nd Lt Elmer G. Dendle, who flew in the same mission: "I was flying Blue four, Lt Metzger flying Blue 3 on the mission of 29 November. Just as we were making R/V with the bombers, we saw a lone ME 109 coming up on the rear of the first box of bombers. We were then at about 30,000 feet. Lt Metzger made a sharp right diving turn to the rear of the enemy aircraft. I followed. Lt Metzger closed in and fired. We were then at 25,000 feet and indicating over 300 MPH. When we reached 22,000 feet, I first saw Lt Metzger's strikes on the ME 109: numerous strikes along both wing roots. I continued to see strikes until ME 109 seemed to break away at about 15,000 feet in an uncontrollable spiral to the right with smoke trailing. Lt Metzger then made a violent left turn and I went past him. I looked around for Lt Metzger and couldn't see him because of the haze. I then climbed up to 27,000 feet and tacked on with our squadron just as it was leaving the bombers. There was an overcast from 25,000 feet to 15,000 feet. I didn't fire my guns during Lt Metzger's combat with the ME 109, but I believe that Lt Metzger destroyed one ME 109. This was the last seen of Lt Metzger."

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