William Allen was a 1939 graduate of Knox College. While at Knox, he became a political activist. He was part of a large group of students who were unhappy with the school’s “chapels.” They felt that the chapels had become a way for the college to indoctrinate students with conservative, pro-business speakers. His activism led him to take a leadership role as the editor of the Knox Student (school newspaper). His outspoken approach caused some to label him as un-American and a Communist.
After graduation, he taught three years in Fairview. He moved back to teach at Galesburg High School in 1942. He was an English teacher and in charge of all of the drama activities. At this time, before TV, school plays were performed almost monthly.
He decided in the winter of 1943 to enlist in the U.S.Army at the age of 26. He may have enlisted because his younger brother and his brother-in-law were already in the military. His sister believed he enlisted because of the deep belief he had developed at Knox College of the importance of freedom of speech. He will was willing to go to war to protect the value of freedom.
William Allen wrote many letters home while fighting in Europe that the family has preserved through the years. I wish to share two letters with you.
March 13, 1945- In a letter about a month before Bill was to be killed, he describes dealing with the death of his friend. Bill’s assessment,”That’s another shocking thing about the war- a hero, contrary to fiction and Hollywood, seldom dies a hero’s death. It’s just an unlucky hit which gets him when he doesn’t even have a chance to fight back.”
William Allen was killed on April 19, 1945, just three days after turning 28 years old. His troop was just miles from Berlin at the time. He had volunteered to return meal supplies back behind the lines to where the meals were prepared. His jeep ran over an Ally land mind, designed to protect the troops from a rear attack.
Twelve days later, on May 1, 1945, Galesburg High School held a memorial service for their fallen soldier. On May 8, 1945, the war in Europe. William Allen was one of the last soldiers to die in Europe, just 19 days before V-E Day.
Jack Brooking had the lead in the last play directed by Bill Allen at GHS. After Bill’s death, Jack said,”There’s plenty of reality to be faced by all of us. As for the permanent peace, it’s in our laps now. What are going to do about it?”
When we study war in school, we always talk about the “soldiers.” We talk about how many “soldiers” die. We need to remember these “soldiers” were sons and daughters, and brothers and sisters, who are lost to their families.
As young children play, parents smile and dream about their child’s future. This little rocker belonged to William Allen as a child. I am sure after his death, his mother and father looked at this empty rocker and thought about the hopes and dreams they had for little Bill. Not just soldiers sacrificed, but families did too.
Elizabeth, Bill’s sister wrote the following about her brother:
He set aside his future plans
His every youthful hope and dream
He visioned all mankind his friends
And gave for them the gift supreme
If you want to read more about William Allen, there is an entire blog dedicated to his story. The blog is used by U.S.History classes at GHS as part of their unit on World War II. If you know a history teacher, please share the blog address with them. Click below to open that blog.
This blog is a tremendous resource for teachers. I thank the Allen family for sharing their family story with today’s teachers and students.
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