The  Secretary  of  the  Navy  takes  pleasure  in  presenting  the
NAVY COMMENDATION MEDAL to

for service as set forth in the following

       CITATION:

              "For  heroic  achievement  while  serving  with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364,  Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen,  First Marine Aircraft Wing  in connection  with combat operations against the enemy in  the Republic of Vietnam.  On 28 February 1969, Corporal Allen  was a  member  of an  aircraft  recovery team which was inserted into enemy controlled territory north of An Hoa in Quang Nam Province to salvage a crashed CH-46 transport helicopter.  Fully aware that  ground units in the  area  had been in heavy  contact  with  the  enemy  for several days, Corporal Allen  disregarded  his  own  safety as he assisted  in removing component parts from  the disabled helicopter.  Working efficiently and expeditiously  despite  sporadic  enemy small  arms fire,  Corporal Allen continued  his  efforts until  the aircraft was  completely dismantled and the airframe was prepared for extraction.   During  hoist  operations,  he deployed  into  a  defensive  position  and  provided   effective  covering fire.  As a result of  his diligence, the valuable aircraft and all its compo- nent  parts  were  lifted out of the hazardous area  and were  moved to a secure landing zone in a minimum  amount  of  time.  By  his  initiative, superb professional skill and steadfast devotion to duty at great person- al risk, Corporal Allen upheld the  finest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.