HARPER BASIL ALLEN was born 26 Apr 1917 in Anderson, Anderson, South Carolina. He was the son of Theron Saville Allen Sr. and El-Elouise Harper who were married on 28 Jan 1914 in Lowndesville, Abbeville, SC. His four siblings were Theron Saville Jr., Joelle K. Reinersten, John C., and Preston Brooks Allen. Harper's given name was his mother's maiden name, and Basil was his grandfather's given name. His family was originally from the upstate region of South Carolina. Sometime after his brother, John C., was born in Oct 1922, the family moved to New Jersey. Initially, his family moved to Great Notch then Ridgefield Park and in 1930 to Bloomfield, NJ.
Harper Basil Allen enlisted as an Apprentice Seaman (AS) in the US Navy (NSN: 223-39-91) on 17 Aug 1937 in Brooklyn, NY. He arrived the following day at the Naval Training Station (NTS), Newport, RI (NPT) to begin approximately six weeks of basic training. On 3 Nov 1937, Allen was transferred to the Naval Hospital, NPT for treatment of an unknown condition. It must have been serious because he remained at the hospital for almost a month (30 Nov 1937) before returning to duty at NTS, NPT. He was advanced in rate from AS to Seaman Second Class (S2c) on 17 Dec 1937. S2c Allen was again transferred to the Naval Hospital, NPT on 05 April 1938 for an undisclosed condition.
He was released back to duty at NTS, NPT on 4 May 1938. Shortly after his return to duty, S2c Allen received orders to report for duty to the new light cruiser, USS Boise (CL-47), being commissioned on 12 Aug 1940 at the Naval Station, Norfolk, VA. Allen detached from NTS, NPT on 18 May and reported on board the first of his two rides to Norfolk, fleet oiler USS Salinas (AO-19). He then boarded as a passenger the ammunition ship, USS Nitro (AE-02) on 24 Jun 1938.
He arrived at the Receiving Station, Norfolk, VA on 09 Aug 1938 and reported to the Boise precommissioning detachment. The new crew reported on board the Boise upon her commissioning on 12 Aug 1938. On 06 Nov 1938, Allen qualified as a unique Emerald Shellback as the ship crossed the equator at Lat. 0 00 00, Long. 0 00 00 (according to his service record entry). Very few sailors get to cross the Equator at the Prime Meridian. In Feb 1939, following a cruise to Monrovia, Liberia and Cape Town, South Africa, Boise joined Cruiser Division 9 (CRUDIV 9), Battle Force, at San Pedro, CA. (Until Nov 1941, she operated alternately off the west coast and in Hawaiian waters. She then escorted a convoy to Manila arriving on 4 Dec 1941.)
The following year Allen applied for a transfer to the Submarine Training School at New London, CT on 18 July 1940. That letter also said that Allen was physically qualified for submarine duty. His request was placed on file for consideration when the necessity arises said a response by the Bureau of Navigation (BUNAV), later Bureau of Naval Personnel (BUPERS), on 16 Aug 1940. BUNAV sent a set of orders to the Commanding Officer (CO) of the Boise on 20 Sep 1940 directing a transfer in the latter part of Oct. of S1c Allen to the Submarine Training School, New London for a class beginning 01 Dec 1940. The orders were signed by C.W. Nimitz, Chief of Bureau. On 07 Oct, the CO of Boise sent a letter to BUNAV stating that Allen was not physically qualified for submarine duty. On 21 Oct 1940, the Bureau cancelled his orders. The following year, S1c Allen executed a two-year extension of enlistment on 07 Aug 1941. It was effective on 29 Aug 1941.
On 20 Aug 1941, he was detached from the Boise and transferred to Asiatic Station via the transport ship USS Henderson (AP-1). After a three-week transit of the Pacific to the Philippines, the Henderson arrived in Manila on 14 Sep 1941 where she discharged her passengers and unloaded her cargo. Later that day, S1c Allen reported for duty on board the heavy cruiser, USS Houston (CA-30).
In the predawn hours of 8 Dec 1941 (7 Dec east of the International Date Line), the Houston received a message indicating that Japan had attacked Pearl Harbor and hostilities with Japan had commenced. Later that day, Japanese attack aircraft struck the Philippines. However, much of Admiral Hart's naval forces were at sea enroute to Surabaya, Java. US Army Air Forces under the command of General Douglas MacArthur were the only US forces caught completely by surprise and were destroyed on the ground. Houston crossed the Equator steaming south on 14 Dec 1941.
Houston arrived at Surabaya on 17 Dec. After several days inport Surabaya she joined the American-British-Dutch-Australian (ABDA) naval force. Houston departed for Darwin, Australia on 20 Dec. She arrived there on 28 Dec 1941. Houston was underway again providing escort services on 12 Jan 1942.
Houston did not see combat action until 4 Feb in the Battle of Makassar Strait when Japanese land based attack aircraft began bombing the ABDA force. For the next several weeks, Houston was engaged in frequent combat.
On 27 Feb 1942, the Battle of the Java Sea began in which Houston was a participant. As the evening of the 28th rolled in the early minutes of 01 Mar 1942, Houston and the Australian Navy light cruiser Perth engaged three Japanese cruisers and nine Japanese destroyers in what became known as the Battle of Sunda Strait. In the quick maelstrom that followed, Houston and Perth sunk a number of Japanese ships. However, they were sunk by torpedoes and gunfire from Japanese heavy cruisers Mogami and Mikuma (Mikuma was sunk and the Mogami heavily damaged several months later in the Battle of Midway). Houston lost almost 700 crewmen. Most of the 368 Navy and Marine Corps survivors were captured by the Japanese and sent to internment or work camps. Of the 368 known Navy and Marine Corps personnel taken prisoner, 79 died in captivity. Allen was reported missing in action on 01 Mar 1942. He was declared dead on 15 Dec 1945. His remains were unrecoverable.
He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, American Defense Services Medal with one star, Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal with two battle stars, World War II Victory Medal, Navy Presidential Unit Citation with one star, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, and Philippine Defense Ribbon with one bronze star. He may also be eligible the Combat Action Ribbon (retroactive 07 Dec 1941).
------------------------
USS Houston (CA-30) Presidential Unit Citation (WWII)
The President of the United States takes pleasure in awarding the Presidential Unit Citation to the UNITED STATES SHIP HOUSTON for services as set forth in the following citation:
For outstanding performance against enemy Japanese forces in the Southwest Pacific from December 7, 1941, to February 28, 1942. At sea almost constantly, often damaged but self-maintaining, the HOUSTON kept the sea. She maneuvered superbly and with deadly antiaircraft fire repulsed the nine-plane Japanese bombing squadrons attacking a troop convoy under her care. Later, in company with other Allied ships, she engaged a powerful enemy force, carried the brunt of the action with her two remaining 8-inch turrets and aided in damaging and routing two enemy heavy cruisers from the line of battle. On February 28, the HOUSTON went down, gallantly fighting to the last against overwhelming odds. She leaves behind her an inspiring record of valiant and distinguished service.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Honor Scroll
His family also received a scroll from President Harry S. Truman in commemoration of S1c Harper Basil Allen. The citation reads: In grateful memory of Harper Basil ALLEN, who died in the service of his country, SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED U.S.S. HOUSTON, 15 December 1945 (Presumed). He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives -- in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.
(Signed) Harry S. Truman,
President of the United States
---------------------------------
Bio #354 compiled by Gerry Lawton (G47/GML470)
Military Hall of Honor ID#122497
--------------------------
Primary Source:
Harper B. Allen's navy service record obtained from the National Archives, St Louis, MO.
Harper Basil Allen enlisted as an Apprentice Seaman (AS) in the US Navy (NSN: 223-39-91) on 17 Aug 1937 in Brooklyn, NY. He arrived the following day at the Naval Training Station (NTS), Newport, RI (NPT) to begin approximately six weeks of basic training. On 3 Nov 1937, Allen was transferred to the Naval Hospital, NPT for treatment of an unknown condition. It must have been serious because he remained at the hospital for almost a month (30 Nov 1937) before returning to duty at NTS, NPT. He was advanced in rate from AS to Seaman Second Class (S2c) on 17 Dec 1937. S2c Allen was again transferred to the Naval Hospital, NPT on 05 April 1938 for an undisclosed condition.
He was released back to duty at NTS, NPT on 4 May 1938. Shortly after his return to duty, S2c Allen received orders to report for duty to the new light cruiser, USS Boise (CL-47), being commissioned on 12 Aug 1940 at the Naval Station, Norfolk, VA. Allen detached from NTS, NPT on 18 May and reported on board the first of his two rides to Norfolk, fleet oiler USS Salinas (AO-19). He then boarded as a passenger the ammunition ship, USS Nitro (AE-02) on 24 Jun 1938.
He arrived at the Receiving Station, Norfolk, VA on 09 Aug 1938 and reported to the Boise precommissioning detachment. The new crew reported on board the Boise upon her commissioning on 12 Aug 1938. On 06 Nov 1938, Allen qualified as a unique Emerald Shellback as the ship crossed the equator at Lat. 0 00 00, Long. 0 00 00 (according to his service record entry). Very few sailors get to cross the Equator at the Prime Meridian. In Feb 1939, following a cruise to Monrovia, Liberia and Cape Town, South Africa, Boise joined Cruiser Division 9 (CRUDIV 9), Battle Force, at San Pedro, CA. (Until Nov 1941, she operated alternately off the west coast and in Hawaiian waters. She then escorted a convoy to Manila arriving on 4 Dec 1941.)
The following year Allen applied for a transfer to the Submarine Training School at New London, CT on 18 July 1940. That letter also said that Allen was physically qualified for submarine duty. His request was placed on file for consideration when the necessity arises said a response by the Bureau of Navigation (BUNAV), later Bureau of Naval Personnel (BUPERS), on 16 Aug 1940. BUNAV sent a set of orders to the Commanding Officer (CO) of the Boise on 20 Sep 1940 directing a transfer in the latter part of Oct. of S1c Allen to the Submarine Training School, New London for a class beginning 01 Dec 1940. The orders were signed by C.W. Nimitz, Chief of Bureau. On 07 Oct, the CO of Boise sent a letter to BUNAV stating that Allen was not physically qualified for submarine duty. On 21 Oct 1940, the Bureau cancelled his orders. The following year, S1c Allen executed a two-year extension of enlistment on 07 Aug 1941. It was effective on 29 Aug 1941.
On 20 Aug 1941, he was detached from the Boise and transferred to Asiatic Station via the transport ship USS Henderson (AP-1). After a three-week transit of the Pacific to the Philippines, the Henderson arrived in Manila on 14 Sep 1941 where she discharged her passengers and unloaded her cargo. Later that day, S1c Allen reported for duty on board the heavy cruiser, USS Houston (CA-30).
In the predawn hours of 8 Dec 1941 (7 Dec east of the International Date Line), the Houston received a message indicating that Japan had attacked Pearl Harbor and hostilities with Japan had commenced. Later that day, Japanese attack aircraft struck the Philippines. However, much of Admiral Hart's naval forces were at sea enroute to Surabaya, Java. US Army Air Forces under the command of General Douglas MacArthur were the only US forces caught completely by surprise and were destroyed on the ground. Houston crossed the Equator steaming south on 14 Dec 1941.
Houston arrived at Surabaya on 17 Dec. After several days inport Surabaya she joined the American-British-Dutch-Australian (ABDA) naval force. Houston departed for Darwin, Australia on 20 Dec. She arrived there on 28 Dec 1941. Houston was underway again providing escort services on 12 Jan 1942.
Houston did not see combat action until 4 Feb in the Battle of Makassar Strait when Japanese land based attack aircraft began bombing the ABDA force. For the next several weeks, Houston was engaged in frequent combat.
On 27 Feb 1942, the Battle of the Java Sea began in which Houston was a participant. As the evening of the 28th rolled in the early minutes of 01 Mar 1942, Houston and the Australian Navy light cruiser Perth engaged three Japanese cruisers and nine Japanese destroyers in what became known as the Battle of Sunda Strait. In the quick maelstrom that followed, Houston and Perth sunk a number of Japanese ships. However, they were sunk by torpedoes and gunfire from Japanese heavy cruisers Mogami and Mikuma (Mikuma was sunk and the Mogami heavily damaged several months later in the Battle of Midway). Houston lost almost 700 crewmen. Most of the 368 Navy and Marine Corps survivors were captured by the Japanese and sent to internment or work camps. Of the 368 known Navy and Marine Corps personnel taken prisoner, 79 died in captivity. Allen was reported missing in action on 01 Mar 1942. He was declared dead on 15 Dec 1945. His remains were unrecoverable.
He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, American Defense Services Medal with one star, Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal with two battle stars, World War II Victory Medal, Navy Presidential Unit Citation with one star, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, and Philippine Defense Ribbon with one bronze star. He may also be eligible the Combat Action Ribbon (retroactive 07 Dec 1941).
------------------------
USS Houston (CA-30) Presidential Unit Citation (WWII)
The President of the United States takes pleasure in awarding the Presidential Unit Citation to the UNITED STATES SHIP HOUSTON for services as set forth in the following citation:
For outstanding performance against enemy Japanese forces in the Southwest Pacific from December 7, 1941, to February 28, 1942. At sea almost constantly, often damaged but self-maintaining, the HOUSTON kept the sea. She maneuvered superbly and with deadly antiaircraft fire repulsed the nine-plane Japanese bombing squadrons attacking a troop convoy under her care. Later, in company with other Allied ships, she engaged a powerful enemy force, carried the brunt of the action with her two remaining 8-inch turrets and aided in damaging and routing two enemy heavy cruisers from the line of battle. On February 28, the HOUSTON went down, gallantly fighting to the last against overwhelming odds. She leaves behind her an inspiring record of valiant and distinguished service.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Honor Scroll
His family also received a scroll from President Harry S. Truman in commemoration of S1c Harper Basil Allen. The citation reads: In grateful memory of Harper Basil ALLEN, who died in the service of his country, SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED U.S.S. HOUSTON, 15 December 1945 (Presumed). He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives -- in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.
(Signed) Harry S. Truman,
President of the United States
---------------------------------
Bio #354 compiled by Gerry Lawton (G47/GML470)
Military Hall of Honor ID#122497
--------------------------
Primary Source:
Harper B. Allen's navy service record obtained from the National Archives, St Louis, MO.
HARPER BASIL ALLEN was born 26 Apr 1917 in Anderson, Anderson, South Carolina. He was the son of Theron Saville Allen Sr. and El-Elouise Harper who were married on 28 Jan 1914 in Lowndesville, Abbeville, SC. His four siblings were Theron Saville Jr., Joelle K. Reinersten, John C., and Preston Brooks Allen. Harper's given name was his mother's maiden name, and Basil was his grandfather's given name. His family was originally from the upstate region of South Carolina. Sometime after his brother, John C., was born in Oct 1922, the family moved to New Jersey. Initially, his family moved to Great Notch then Ridgefield Park and in 1930 to Bloomfield, NJ.
Harper Basil Allen enlisted as an Apprentice Seaman (AS) in the US Navy (NSN: 223-39-91) on 17 Aug 1937 in Brooklyn, NY. He arrived the following day at the Naval Training Station (NTS), Newport, RI (NPT) to begin approximately six weeks of basic training. On 3 Nov 1937, Allen was transferred to the Naval Hospital, NPT for treatment of an unknown condition. It must have been serious because he remained at the hospital for almost a month (30 Nov 1937) before returning to duty at NTS, NPT. He was advanced in rate from AS to Seaman Second Class (S2c) on 17 Dec 1937. S2c Allen was again transferred to the Naval Hospital, NPT on 05 April 1938 for an undisclosed condition.
He was released back to duty at NTS, NPT on 4 May 1938. Shortly after his return to duty, S2c Allen received orders to report for duty to the new light cruiser, USS Boise (CL-47), being commissioned on 12 Aug 1940 at the Naval Station, Norfolk, VA. Allen detached from NTS, NPT on 18 May and reported on board the first of his two rides to Norfolk, fleet oiler USS Salinas (AO-19). He then boarded as a passenger the ammunition ship, USS Nitro (AE-02) on 24 Jun 1938.
He arrived at the Receiving Station, Norfolk, VA on 09 Aug 1938 and reported to the Boise precommissioning detachment. The new crew reported on board the Boise upon her commissioning on 12 Aug 1938. On 06 Nov 1938, Allen qualified as a unique Emerald Shellback as the ship crossed the equator at Lat. 0 00 00, Long. 0 00 00 (according to his service record entry). Very few sailors get to cross the Equator at the Prime Meridian. In Feb 1939, following a cruise to Monrovia, Liberia and Cape Town, South Africa, Boise joined Cruiser Division 9 (CRUDIV 9), Battle Force, at San Pedro, CA. (Until Nov 1941, she operated alternately off the west coast and in Hawaiian waters. She then escorted a convoy to Manila arriving on 4 Dec 1941.)
The following year Allen applied for a transfer to the Submarine Training School at New London, CT on 18 July 1940. That letter also said that Allen was physically qualified for submarine duty. His request was placed on file for consideration when the necessity arises said a response by the Bureau of Navigation (BUNAV), later Bureau of Naval Personnel (BUPERS), on 16 Aug 1940. BUNAV sent a set of orders to the Commanding Officer (CO) of the Boise on 20 Sep 1940 directing a transfer in the latter part of Oct. of S1c Allen to the Submarine Training School, New London for a class beginning 01 Dec 1940. The orders were signed by C.W. Nimitz, Chief of Bureau. On 07 Oct, the CO of Boise sent a letter to BUNAV stating that Allen was not physically qualified for submarine duty. On 21 Oct 1940, the Bureau cancelled his orders. The following year, S1c Allen executed a two-year extension of enlistment on 07 Aug 1941. It was effective on 29 Aug 1941.
On 20 Aug 1941, he was detached from the Boise and transferred to Asiatic Station via the transport ship USS Henderson (AP-1). After a three-week transit of the Pacific to the Philippines, the Henderson arrived in Manila on 14 Sep 1941 where she discharged her passengers and unloaded her cargo. Later that day, S1c Allen reported for duty on board the heavy cruiser, USS Houston (CA-30).
In the predawn hours of 8 Dec 1941 (7 Dec east of the International Date Line), the Houston received a message indicating that Japan had attacked Pearl Harbor and hostilities with Japan had commenced. Later that day, Japanese attack aircraft struck the Philippines. However, much of Admiral Hart's naval forces were at sea enroute to Surabaya, Java. US Army Air Forces under the command of General Douglas MacArthur were the only US forces caught completely by surprise and were destroyed on the ground. Houston crossed the Equator steaming south on 14 Dec 1941.
Houston arrived at Surabaya on 17 Dec. After several days inport Surabaya she joined the American-British-Dutch-Australian (ABDA) naval force. Houston departed for Darwin, Australia on 20 Dec. She arrived there on 28 Dec 1941. Houston was underway again providing escort services on 12 Jan 1942.
Houston did not see combat action until 4 Feb in the Battle of Makassar Strait when Japanese land based attack aircraft began bombing the ABDA force. For the next several weeks, Houston was engaged in frequent combat.
On 27 Feb 1942, the Battle of the Java Sea began in which Houston was a participant. As the evening of the 28th rolled in the early minutes of 01 Mar 1942, Houston and the Australian Navy light cruiser Perth engaged three Japanese cruisers and nine Japanese destroyers in what became known as the Battle of Sunda Strait. In the quick maelstrom that followed, Houston and Perth sunk a number of Japanese ships. However, they were sunk by torpedoes and gunfire from Japanese heavy cruisers Mogami and Mikuma (Mikuma was sunk and the Mogami heavily damaged several months later in the Battle of Midway). Houston lost almost 700 crewmen. Most of the 368 Navy and Marine Corps survivors were captured by the Japanese and sent to internment or work camps. Of the 368 known Navy and Marine Corps personnel taken prisoner, 79 died in captivity. Allen was reported missing in action on 01 Mar 1942. He was declared dead on 15 Dec 1945. His remains were unrecoverable.
He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, American Defense Services Medal with one star, Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal with two battle stars, World War II Victory Medal, Navy Presidential Unit Citation with one star, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, and Philippine Defense Ribbon with one bronze star. He may also be eligible the Combat Action Ribbon (retroactive 07 Dec 1941).
------------------------
USS Houston (CA-30) Presidential Unit Citation (WWII)
The President of the United States takes pleasure in awarding the Presidential Unit Citation to the UNITED STATES SHIP HOUSTON for services as set forth in the following citation:
For outstanding performance against enemy Japanese forces in the Southwest Pacific from December 7, 1941, to February 28, 1942. At sea almost constantly, often damaged but self-maintaining, the HOUSTON kept the sea. She maneuvered superbly and with deadly antiaircraft fire repulsed the nine-plane Japanese bombing squadrons attacking a troop convoy under her care. Later, in company with other Allied ships, she engaged a powerful enemy force, carried the brunt of the action with her two remaining 8-inch turrets and aided in damaging and routing two enemy heavy cruisers from the line of battle. On February 28, the HOUSTON went down, gallantly fighting to the last against overwhelming odds. She leaves behind her an inspiring record of valiant and distinguished service.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Honor Scroll
His family also received a scroll from President Harry S. Truman in commemoration of S1c Harper Basil Allen. The citation reads: In grateful memory of Harper Basil ALLEN, who died in the service of his country, SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED U.S.S. HOUSTON, 15 December 1945 (Presumed). He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives -- in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.
(Signed) Harry S. Truman,
President of the United States
---------------------------------
Bio #354 compiled by Gerry Lawton (G47/GML470)
Military Hall of Honor ID#122497
--------------------------
Primary Source:
Harper B. Allen's navy service record obtained from the National Archives, St Louis, MO.
Harper Basil Allen enlisted as an Apprentice Seaman (AS) in the US Navy (NSN: 223-39-91) on 17 Aug 1937 in Brooklyn, NY. He arrived the following day at the Naval Training Station (NTS), Newport, RI (NPT) to begin approximately six weeks of basic training. On 3 Nov 1937, Allen was transferred to the Naval Hospital, NPT for treatment of an unknown condition. It must have been serious because he remained at the hospital for almost a month (30 Nov 1937) before returning to duty at NTS, NPT. He was advanced in rate from AS to Seaman Second Class (S2c) on 17 Dec 1937. S2c Allen was again transferred to the Naval Hospital, NPT on 05 April 1938 for an undisclosed condition.
He was released back to duty at NTS, NPT on 4 May 1938. Shortly after his return to duty, S2c Allen received orders to report for duty to the new light cruiser, USS Boise (CL-47), being commissioned on 12 Aug 1940 at the Naval Station, Norfolk, VA. Allen detached from NTS, NPT on 18 May and reported on board the first of his two rides to Norfolk, fleet oiler USS Salinas (AO-19). He then boarded as a passenger the ammunition ship, USS Nitro (AE-02) on 24 Jun 1938.
He arrived at the Receiving Station, Norfolk, VA on 09 Aug 1938 and reported to the Boise precommissioning detachment. The new crew reported on board the Boise upon her commissioning on 12 Aug 1938. On 06 Nov 1938, Allen qualified as a unique Emerald Shellback as the ship crossed the equator at Lat. 0 00 00, Long. 0 00 00 (according to his service record entry). Very few sailors get to cross the Equator at the Prime Meridian. In Feb 1939, following a cruise to Monrovia, Liberia and Cape Town, South Africa, Boise joined Cruiser Division 9 (CRUDIV 9), Battle Force, at San Pedro, CA. (Until Nov 1941, she operated alternately off the west coast and in Hawaiian waters. She then escorted a convoy to Manila arriving on 4 Dec 1941.)
The following year Allen applied for a transfer to the Submarine Training School at New London, CT on 18 July 1940. That letter also said that Allen was physically qualified for submarine duty. His request was placed on file for consideration when the necessity arises said a response by the Bureau of Navigation (BUNAV), later Bureau of Naval Personnel (BUPERS), on 16 Aug 1940. BUNAV sent a set of orders to the Commanding Officer (CO) of the Boise on 20 Sep 1940 directing a transfer in the latter part of Oct. of S1c Allen to the Submarine Training School, New London for a class beginning 01 Dec 1940. The orders were signed by C.W. Nimitz, Chief of Bureau. On 07 Oct, the CO of Boise sent a letter to BUNAV stating that Allen was not physically qualified for submarine duty. On 21 Oct 1940, the Bureau cancelled his orders. The following year, S1c Allen executed a two-year extension of enlistment on 07 Aug 1941. It was effective on 29 Aug 1941.
On 20 Aug 1941, he was detached from the Boise and transferred to Asiatic Station via the transport ship USS Henderson (AP-1). After a three-week transit of the Pacific to the Philippines, the Henderson arrived in Manila on 14 Sep 1941 where she discharged her passengers and unloaded her cargo. Later that day, S1c Allen reported for duty on board the heavy cruiser, USS Houston (CA-30).
In the predawn hours of 8 Dec 1941 (7 Dec east of the International Date Line), the Houston received a message indicating that Japan had attacked Pearl Harbor and hostilities with Japan had commenced. Later that day, Japanese attack aircraft struck the Philippines. However, much of Admiral Hart's naval forces were at sea enroute to Surabaya, Java. US Army Air Forces under the command of General Douglas MacArthur were the only US forces caught completely by surprise and were destroyed on the ground. Houston crossed the Equator steaming south on 14 Dec 1941.
Houston arrived at Surabaya on 17 Dec. After several days inport Surabaya she joined the American-British-Dutch-Australian (ABDA) naval force. Houston departed for Darwin, Australia on 20 Dec. She arrived there on 28 Dec 1941. Houston was underway again providing escort services on 12 Jan 1942.
Houston did not see combat action until 4 Feb in the Battle of Makassar Strait when Japanese land based attack aircraft began bombing the ABDA force. For the next several weeks, Houston was engaged in frequent combat.
On 27 Feb 1942, the Battle of the Java Sea began in which Houston was a participant. As the evening of the 28th rolled in the early minutes of 01 Mar 1942, Houston and the Australian Navy light cruiser Perth engaged three Japanese cruisers and nine Japanese destroyers in what became known as the Battle of Sunda Strait. In the quick maelstrom that followed, Houston and Perth sunk a number of Japanese ships. However, they were sunk by torpedoes and gunfire from Japanese heavy cruisers Mogami and Mikuma (Mikuma was sunk and the Mogami heavily damaged several months later in the Battle of Midway). Houston lost almost 700 crewmen. Most of the 368 Navy and Marine Corps survivors were captured by the Japanese and sent to internment or work camps. Of the 368 known Navy and Marine Corps personnel taken prisoner, 79 died in captivity. Allen was reported missing in action on 01 Mar 1942. He was declared dead on 15 Dec 1945. His remains were unrecoverable.
He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, American Defense Services Medal with one star, Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal with two battle stars, World War II Victory Medal, Navy Presidential Unit Citation with one star, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, and Philippine Defense Ribbon with one bronze star. He may also be eligible the Combat Action Ribbon (retroactive 07 Dec 1941).
------------------------
USS Houston (CA-30) Presidential Unit Citation (WWII)
The President of the United States takes pleasure in awarding the Presidential Unit Citation to the UNITED STATES SHIP HOUSTON for services as set forth in the following citation:
For outstanding performance against enemy Japanese forces in the Southwest Pacific from December 7, 1941, to February 28, 1942. At sea almost constantly, often damaged but self-maintaining, the HOUSTON kept the sea. She maneuvered superbly and with deadly antiaircraft fire repulsed the nine-plane Japanese bombing squadrons attacking a troop convoy under her care. Later, in company with other Allied ships, she engaged a powerful enemy force, carried the brunt of the action with her two remaining 8-inch turrets and aided in damaging and routing two enemy heavy cruisers from the line of battle. On February 28, the HOUSTON went down, gallantly fighting to the last against overwhelming odds. She leaves behind her an inspiring record of valiant and distinguished service.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Honor Scroll
His family also received a scroll from President Harry S. Truman in commemoration of S1c Harper Basil Allen. The citation reads: In grateful memory of Harper Basil ALLEN, who died in the service of his country, SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED U.S.S. HOUSTON, 15 December 1945 (Presumed). He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives -- in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.
(Signed) Harry S. Truman,
President of the United States
---------------------------------
Bio #354 compiled by Gerry Lawton (G47/GML470)
Military Hall of Honor ID#122497
--------------------------
Primary Source:
Harper B. Allen's navy service record obtained from the National Archives, St Louis, MO.
Gravesite Details
Entered the service from New Jersey.
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