Brigadier General
Richard F. Allen

Born in Hunstville, Alabama on 24 May 1941, Richard F. Allen attended Florence State College, Distinguished Military Graduate and received a commission as a second lieutenant in Field Artillery. His first assignment was to USAREUR in the Field Artillery followed by assignments that included supply officer and then commander of the 184th Ordnance Company and as an ammunition officer in the 84th Ordnance Battalion. Upon his return to United States in November 1966, he attended officer courses at the OMMCS, Redstone Arsenal and the OCS, Aberdeen Proving Grounds.

He served in the Republic of Vietnam during 1967-1968 while commanding the 148th Ordnance Company (AMMO), the most decorated ammunition company in Vietnam, and then the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 53rd General Support Group. He commanded the 148th Ordnance Company through the 1968 Tet offensive with distinction by providing much needed munitions to units within the IV Corps, III Corps and Vung Tau Tactical and Special Zones.

In 1970, he resigned from the Regular Army and accepted a commission in the United States Army Reserve. Through successive USAR assignments, staff positions and commands with the 375th Field Depot in Montgomery, Alabama and the 310th Theater Army Area Command in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, he attained the rank of Brigadier General and commanded the 3rd Transportation Brigade in Anniston, Alabama during 1985-1989. Brigadier General Allen has published various articles in military publications reflecting an astute understanding of Army logistics.

In June 1999, General Allen was appointed Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for the State of Alabama. Since that time he has written numerous articles highlighting Army activities in Alabama and calling attention to the veterans of "The Forgotten War" as a member of the Governor's Committee to Commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War. As Civilian Aide, General Allen has spoken to numerous civic clubs and military organizations. He was awarded the State of Alabama Distinguished Service Medal in April 2000 for his work in recognizing Korean War veterans; the National Guard Association Patrick Henry Award in September 2000; and a Citation for Exceptional Service in Support of National Defense by the Association of the United States Army in October 2000.