In loving memory of Ensign Stanley Willis Allen, A-V(N), U.S. Naval Reserve
July 17, 1916 – Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941
Stanley Allen was born on July 17, 1916. His life was tragically cut short at the age of 25, during the attack on the USS Oklahoma at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. Making his ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, his life is forever etched in the annals of history.
Stanley hoped to eventually have a career in the hotel restaurant service. He spent seven summers working at the Bethel Inn, Bethel. He entered the service personal of the Wentworth-by-the-Sea, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where he remained until his appointment as a cadet at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, New York. Upon completion of a year’s training as a plebe, he returned to civilian life and attended Bowdoin College, Brunswick, earning a Bachelor of Arts, 1934-1939. While in college, Stanley worked summers at Kimball House, Northeast Harbor. After graduating from college, Stanley obtained the position of manager of the Bethel Restaurant, Bethel.
On Oct. 8, 1940, Stanley enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve as a seaman second class, at Boston, Massachusetts. Stanley continued his training at the Naval Reserve Aviation Base, Squantum, Massachusetts. He was appointed an aviation cadet on Jan. 15, 1941.
Appointed as a naval aviator on June 26, 1941, Stanley was assigned to duty flying in Observation Squadron One on the USS Oklahoma. Stanley’s acts of bravery and selflessness were recognized with the awarding of the Purple Heart, a testament to his unwavering commitment and sacrifice in service to his country. His noble actions serve as an inspiration to all who follow in his footsteps, a shining example of the valor and honor that define the American spirit.
Stanley’s remains were exhumed from the graves of the USS Oklahoma “unknowns” after nearly seven decades and identified using recent advances in forensic technology. Finally, after so many years, there is a renewed sense of closure and remembrance for his family and loved ones.
Stanley Willis Allen is survived by his closest living relative, his first cousin Beverly Prosser Gelwick, of Harpswell.
As we bid farewell to Stanley, let us remember the brave souls who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms. Their courage and sacrifice shall never be forgotten, forever embedded in the tapestry of our nation’s history. May Stanley Willis Allen rest in eternal peace, knowing that his contribution to our country will always be cherished and honored.
Burial with full military honors will be held at the New Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Mount Vernon Avenue, Augusta, on Tuesday, July 18, at 1 p.m.
Arrangements are by Stetson’s Funeral Home, 12 Federal St., Brunswick. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family at stetsonsfuneralhome.com.
