We are privileged to recognize Commander Joseph Steven Allen, US Navy, a valued survivor of the USS Franklin and a pioneering naval aviator whose legacy continues to endure.
Commander Allen served aboard USS Franklin during World War II and was present during the ship’s March 1945 ordeal off Japan. He continued his Navy career in aviation and later became a helicopter pilot. In December 1954, he became the commanding officer of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Two at Ream Field in Imperial Beach, California.
Commander Allen was killed in a helicopter mishap off Point Loma in April 1956. His legacy was later recognized at Ream Field, where an athletic field was named Allen Field in his honor.
We are grateful to his daughter, Marianne Allen Abramov, for helping preserve and share his history. Her family’s care ensures that Commander Allen’s service—as a USS Franklin survivor, naval aviator, and squadron commander—will be remembered accurately by future generations.
If you are a family member of a Franklin crew member and wish to share your loved one’s story or memorabilia, please contact us at franklin@ussfranklin.org. We are honored to help preserve and share the histories of the men who served aboard the USS Franklin.
USSFRANKLIN.ORG 
Thank you, this brings me to tears. I was so young when he died. I am grateful for your dedication to these brave men and women who love our country so much. May God bless America and her mighty military service persons. Really this is so truly special that you did this. I only wish I knew him, I was a baby when he was killed. I heard he was a really nice guy, humorous and loved by all his men. His plaque is at Ream Field Imperial Beach Helo base, the athletic field named after him. He is also being recognised for his service at the new memorial in San Diego “the wall” memorial built just this year. Thank you. Mary/ Marianne (His daughter)
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