Survivor George Allen Birthday Celebrates 95th

Survivor George Allen Celebrates 95th Birthday surrounded by family and friends at Cleveland’s American Legion Post 81 on April 13, 2017. This milestone was not only a celebration of longevity but a tribute to a man whose life story is deeply intertwined with one of America’s most defining moments: the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. At just 20 years old, George Allen was thrust into history, his courage and resilience shining through in the face of unimaginable adversity.

On that fateful morning, George Allen was performing an ordinary task, peeling potatoes during kitchen patrol duty at Schofield Barracks in central Oahu. What began as a mundane chore at 4:00 a.m. turned into sheer chaos just hours later when Japanese fighter planes unleashed devastation on Pearl Harbor. Though Allen wasn’t stationed at the harbor, he witnessed the terror firsthand as planes strafed his barracks, transforming the once-quiet morning into a fight for survival.

Decades later, Allen would reflect on the day, saying, “You had to be there, and you had to see it, to get it right,” firmly challenging the dramatized portrayals of Pearl Harbor in books and movies.

The attack on Pearl Harbor was just the beginning of Allen’s journey. After the chaos subsided, he joined his comrades in preparing for the grueling battles ahead. Deployed to Australia, Allen played a crucial role in six major Pacific invasions, contributing to the Allied forces’ victories in the region. On June 6, 1945, after enduring the thick of World War II, Allen was honorably discharged, ready to leave the battlefield behind.

After the war, George Allen turned to music as a way to heal. For four decades, he built a career as a musician, using the universal language of music to quiet the echoes of war and find joy. It was a life far removed from the horrors he had faced, and one that brought him peace.

As one of the few remaining Pearl Harbor survivors, George Allen’s story is a living piece of history. His firsthand accounts are enshrined in the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, ensuring his bravery and experiences endure for generations.

Allen’s 95th birthday wasn’t just a personal celebration—it was a commemoration of the resilience and determination of an entire generation. His life serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.