Allen, John J. (John Joseph), 1899-1995

Edwin John Allen was born 5 October, 1892. His parents were Edwin John Allen and Sarah Delilah Varney. Shortly after graduation from high school, Edwin was called on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to serve as a missionary in Japan. In 1916, Edwin was called into the military, and sent to England. He was aboard the Tuscania, headed toward Ireland, when it was sunk by German fire. Thereafter, Edwin was sent to the Occidental University to learn Morse code. He was serving as a telegraph officer when the armistice was signed. After the war, when he returned to Salt Lake City, Edwin married Dessie Duke 18 March, 1920. Their children were Maxine, Lucile, Tom, Marjorie, Jeanne, and John. In 1932, the family moved to Fresno, California. Edwin's Japanese skills proved useful to him during his time as a first lieutenant in the navy. He was called into "the service" for the second time in 1942, because of his language ability. His first responsibility was the interrogation of prisoners, and later attended the surrender ceremonies in Japan.

From the description of Edwin John Allen, Jr. Collection, ca. 1912-ca. 1945. (Brigham Young University). WorldCat record id: 51601212

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