Calkins: After more than eight decades, a Memphis war hero will finally be awarded the diploma he earned
Frank Allen holds a photo and military medals for his uncle Arthur Allen, who was killed during WWII. (Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian)
Geoff Calkins
Geoff Calkins has been chronicling Memphis and Memphis sports for more than two decades. Calkins has been named the best sports columnist in the country five times by the Associated Press sports editors, but still figures his best columns are about the people who make Memphis what it is.
The neatly typed letter arrived at the house on Carnes Avenue.
“Please let me take this opportunity to express to you our deep regret at the news of Arthur’s death,” the letter began. “I know I am expressing also the sympathy of the faculty and the entire student body of Memphis State college.”
Arthur Allen, 23, had been killed while flying a B-17 bomber over Germany. He was a genuine World War II hero by then.
Allen and his crew had been credited with shooting down 13 Nazi airplanes — with six more probable kills.
Walter Winchell, the famed radio newscaster, had dedicated one of his broadcasts to Allen, telling the country about the time Allen safely landed a B-17 that was riddled with 169 holes.
None of that came as a surprise to those who knew Allen back in Memphis — and on the campus of Memphis State.
This is an excerpt of this story. To read more, please click here and subscribe.
Topics
Arthur Allen Memphis State B-17 Geoff Calkins Subscriber OnlyThank you for reading The Daily Memphian. Your support is critical.
Did you know we are a 501(c)3 nonprofit news organization? We rely on a mix of revenue from subscriptions (50%), advertising, events and other earned income (25%) and fundraising (25%).
Please consider making a fully tax-deductible donation or other contribution to The Daily Memphian today.
👉🏽 Your subscription pays for you to read all our journalism.
👉🏽 Your donation powers the work we do to reach everyone else with the news.
We believe an informed Memphis is a better Memphis. If you agree, join our growing list of donors now.
Geoff Calkins on demand
Never miss an article. Sign up to receive Geoff Calkins' stories as they’re published.
Enter your e-mail address
Related stories
Calkins: It’s just what Memphis needed. A win for the city’s sports.
Professional tennis is returning to the city. That isn’t some accident. It’s because Memphis did something very, very well. Related content:
Calkins: Could this be Penny Hardaway’s last game at FedExForum?
As questions again swirl about the future of Penny Hardaway, athletic director Ed Scott had every chance to address them Wednesday. He chose to stay silent. What could that mean?
Calkins: Lionel Hollins has never left Memphis — or stopped working to make it a better place.
Lionel Hollins is the new board chair of Heal the Hood. Why has he stayed in Memphis for 23 years? Because our purpose is lift others up.
Comments
Want to comment on our stories? If you’re a subscriber, scroll down to the comments. If you’re not a subscriber, only paid subscribers can add their thoughts, so subscribe now. Our commenting policy can be viewed here.