A war hero from 80 years ago will be honored this month at the University of Memphis. The school is bestowing an honorary degree to the family of a World War II army pilot named Arthur Allen Jr., drafted into the war while a student and tragically never returned to campus.
“He was a very well-known student at the University of Memphis, then Memphis State College,” said Allen’s nephew Frank Allen, in an interview with Military.com. "My uncle was on the football team, the tennis team, and editor of the yearbook. He was very involved in the university."
Allen was just 23 years old in 1943 when he was killed while serving as a bomber pilot in World War II. He had been drafted into the army, and was stationed at RAF Bury St. Edmunds, a U.S. Air Base near Suffolk, England. He was fighting against Germany, flying a plane with other army service members on board, when gunfire shot into the cockpit. Allen was the only service member killed, cutting short his life and college career.
“Before his death, he had shot down 12 German aircraft at least. He received two distinguished air medals and a Purple Heart, among other honors,” said Allen. “He flew 19 or 20 missions and was about to be promoted to captain when he was sent out again on what would be his last mission.”
Decades later, the Allen family made it their own mission to have the former Memphis State College, now the University of Memphis, honor their war hero relative for his service and sacrifice for the country.
“He'll receive a posthumous degree. I've been asking for this for the last couple of years for the university to do this,” said Allen. “I guess I finally found the right person, and they made it happen."
Documentary Shares Young War Hero's Thoughts
Recognizing Allen was made easier after a documentary about his life, which was produced by his family titled, “Ramblings of a Bomber Pilot.” Available on Amazon Prime, Tubi and Roku, the film takes a look at Allen’s young life, his upbringing and his short but meaningful military service.
“The film allows him to speak from the grave,” said Allen, whose family worked with filmmaker and director Austin Rich to bring the 2023 project to life. “We used letters he wrote and a journal he kept to tell his story. It’s incredible."
In the film, Allen’s writings are narrated for dramatic effect. He’s quoted during the film’s voiceover as calling World War II a “godless war” while asking the questions, “Why does God allow this thing to go on. Why should men die?”
Allen’s thoughts offer a glimpse into his struggles as a service member, and the care and concern he had as a young student turned soldier.
“Right after his death, he received letters from the former Dean of Students and the university's former president expressing sadness and their condolences,” said Allen. “They knew Arthur extremely well."
Ceremony to Honor Allen With Student Veterans
Eight decades later, Allen will be formally celebrated by the university where his family ties run deep. Born in Talladega, Alabama, the Allen family settled in the Memphis area, where many of his relatives and descendants still live.
“It's just an incredible honor,” said Allen. “I graduated from the University of Memphis; my dad graduated from the school, and so did my mom. We're a big U. of M. family."
Plans call for Allen to be recognized on April 23, 2026, in a larger ceremony honoring other students who are also military veterans. His nephew Frank and other family members will be on hand as the school gives their loved one the degree he never had the chance to finish.
“He was just so multi-talented. He was a thinker and a believer, and he loved his crew,” said Allen. “I’m proud of the fact that he can finally rest in peace with a degree from U. of M. in his name.”
