Leven Cooper Allen

Leven Cooper Allen was an officer in the United States Army during World War II.

Early life

Leven Cooper Allen was born on March 29, 1894, in Fort Douglas, Utah. Before his military service, he attended the University of San Francisco from 1912 to 1916.

Military career

Allen was commissioned in 1916 and was stationed in France. He graduated from the United States [Army Command and General Staff College|Command and General Staff School] in 1931 and the Army War College in 1935. Allen served in the General Staff of the United [States Department of War|War Department] from May, 1941 to February, 1942. Following serving in the General Staff, he held the position of commandant at the Infantry School until October, 1943. During 1942, Allen served as brigadier general and major general. From 1943 to 1945, he served as chief of staff of the Twelfth [United States Army Group|12th Army Group]. For his actions during World War II, Allen was given two Army Distinguished [Service Medal |Distinguished Service Medal]s.
His wartime promotion to major general was made permanent on January 23, 1948. His last assignment before his December 31, 1951 retirement was as chief of staff of the Eighth [United States Army|8th Army] in Korea.

Later life

Allen lived in Washington, D.C. after retirement and died at Walter Reed Army Hospital on September 27, 1979. He is buried at the United States Military Academy Post Cemetery.

Honors and awards

Allen was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, the Legion of Merit with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart and the Air Medal.

Family

Allen married Helen Townsley, the daughter of General Clarence P. Townsley, on April 11, 1928 in Washington, D.C. His older brother Lt. Col. Gilbert M. Allen was the best man and Helen's older sister Marian was the maid of honor. They had a daughter and two grandchildren.