Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in Ireland, at age 19 he enlisted in the 16th New York Volunteer Infantry on April 27, 1861, and was mustered in as a Private in Company F. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery at the Battle of South Mountain, Maryland on September 14, 1862. His citation reads "Single-handed and slightly wounded, he accosted a squad of 14 Confederate soldiers bearing the colors of the 16th Georgia Infantry (C.S.A.). By an imaginary ruse he secured their surrender and kept them at bay when the regimental commander discovered him and rode away for assistance". He had been participating in a charge near Crampton's Gap, and was separated from the rest of his company when the were ordered to change directions (Private Allen never heard the orders). He then helped a wounded comrade before spotting the 14 Georgia soldiers, who he then startled when he charged shouting "Up, men, up!" He deceived them in thinking they were being attacked by more than a lone soldier, and forced their surrender before they realized that fact. He went on to receive a promotion to Corporal (October 14, 1862) before his muster out at Albany, New York on May 22, 1863. His Medal was awarded to him on September 11, 1890, and he was one of four 16th New York soldiers to be awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery during the War (the others being Major John C. Gilmore, Chaplain Francis B. Hall, and Corporal John H. Moffitt).
Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in Ireland, at age 19 he enlisted in the 16th New York Volunteer Infantry on April 27, 1861, and was mustered in as a Private in Company F. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery at the Battle of South Mountain, Maryland on September 14, 1862. His citation reads "Single-handed and slightly wounded, he accosted a squad of 14 Confederate soldiers bearing the colors of the 16th Georgia Infantry (C.S.A.). By an imaginary ruse he secured their surrender and kept them at bay when the regimental commander discovered him and rode away for assistance". He had been participating in a charge near Crampton's Gap, and was separated from the rest of his company when the were ordered to change directions (Private Allen never heard the orders). He then helped a wounded comrade before spotting the 14 Georgia soldiers, who he then startled when he charged shouting "Up, men, up!" He deceived them in thinking they were being attacked by more than a lone soldier, and forced their surrender before they realized that fact. He went on to receive a promotion to Corporal (October 14, 1862) before his muster out at Albany, New York on May 22, 1863. His Medal was awarded to him on September 11, 1890, and he was one of four 16th New York soldiers to be awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery during the War (the others being Major John C. Gilmore, Chaplain Francis B. Hall, and Corporal John H. Moffitt).
Bio by: RPD2
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