Early Life and Family Roots
Ralph Wayne Allen was born on April 23, 1922, near Corning, Kansas, the fifth child and fourth son of Alva and Freda Allen. Raised in a large and loving family that included six sons and one daughter, Ralph’s early years were filled with the rhythms of rural life, close family bonds, and a strong sense of community. He attended the Corning grade and high schools, where he developed a reputation for being cheerful, thoughtful, and dependable.
Ralph graduated with the Corning High School Class of 1940, stepping into adulthood on the cusp of a world at war. His deep ties to home and family remained a central part of his life, even as global events began to shape the course of his future.
Answering the Call to Serve
In February 1942, with the United States newly involved in World War II, Ralph and his friend Richard Randel traveled to Topeka to enlist. Ralph chose the Army Air Corps, and though initially told to wait until March, he was ready to serve his country alongside his two older brothers: Walter, stationed at Camp San Luis Obispo in California, and Eldon, based at Sheppard Field in Texas.
By March 1942, Ralph was inducted and sent to Camp Cooke, California, where he became a member of Company B, 34th Tank Battalion, part of the 5th Armored Division. His role in the battalion would be vital to the Allies’ armored advance across Europe.
Training and Deployment
Over the next two years, Ralph underwent extensive training. He participated in Desert Maneuvers in California, advanced training in Tennessee, and served for about six months at Pine Camp, New York. In February 1944, his unit transferred to Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, to prepare for overseas deployment.
During this time, Ralph returned home briefly on furloughs in 1943, visiting his family in Corning. These precious visits offered a short reprieve from military life and allowed his family to witness his growth and pride in serving. He had by then risen to the rank of Technician Fifth Grade (T/5).
Combat in Europe
In the spring of 1944, Ralph and the 34th Tank Battalion shipped out to England, where they staged for the upcoming European campaign. Following the D-Day landings, the 5th Armored Division advanced rapidly through France, Luxembourg, and Belgium, playing a significant role in the liberation of occupied territories.
Ralph’s unit was among the leading armored forces, often at the forefront of dangerous operations. His bravery and technical skill as a tank crew member were vital to the battalion’s success on the battlefield.
Killed in Action in Germany
On December 14, 1944, during an assault in Western Germany, Ralph was killed in action at the age of 22. News of his death reached Corning on December 31, and letters from his captain and commanding officers soon followed, confirming that his death was instantaneous. They praised his valor, work ethic, and character.
He was initially buried with full military honors in Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery in eastern Belgium. A Protestant chaplain conducted the ceremony, and Ralph was laid to rest among fellow soldiers who had also made the ultimate sacrifice.
A Hero Remembered
In March 1945, a memorial service was held at the United Brethren Church in Corning. The service included heartfelt prayers, scripture readings, music, and eulogies. Members of the American Legion and Auxiliary, local clergy, and townspeople gathered to honor Ralph’s life and service.
In 1947, Ralph’s remains were brought home aboard the U.S. Army transport Joseph V. Connolly and reinterred at the Corning Cemetery, where he rests among family and neighbors who continue to remember him.
Two years later, in 1949, the American Legion Auxiliary of Corning planted a maple tree in his honor at the Corning schoolyard—a living memorial alongside those for other local men who gave their lives during the war.
Legacy of Service and Sacrifice
Ralph Allen’s story is one of devotion—to family, to country, and to community. His parents received the Purple Heart, a symbol of the sacrifice he made in service to freedom. His death was the first loss among the Allen siblings, marking a sorrowful milestone in a patriotic family where multiple brothers served simultaneously in the war.
At the time of his death, Ralph left behind:
- His parents, Alva and Freda Allen
- Sister, Velma Reaser of Topeka
- Brothers: Marvin (Tacoma, WA), Sgt. Eldon (Alaska), Sgt. Walter (Germany), Pvt. Harold Dean (France), and Rollin, still at home
- His beloved nieces and nephews: Larry Allen Reaser, Glen Allen, and Sylvia Jane Allen
Though he was only 22 years, 7 months, and 2 days old, Ralph Wayne Allen’s impact reached far beyond his years. His story remains a powerful reminder of the cost of war and the enduring spirit of a young man who gave his life in defense of liberty.
SOURCES
Ralph Allen
Courier Tribune
5 Feb 1942
page 6
Corning
Ralph Allen and Richard Randel went tot Topeka Monday to enlist in the army. They were accepted. Ralph returned home as he will not be needed until Mar. first. He will join the air corps. Richard wen ton to Leavenworth, where he will join the medical corps. Ralph has two brothers in the army: Walter is at Camp San Luis Obispo, California, Eldon is stationed at Sheppard Field, Wichita Falls, Texas. They are the sons of Mr. and Mrs. Alva Allen.
___________________
Corning Gazette
11 Feb 1943
page 1
T/Cpl Ralph Allen of Camp Cooke, California came home Monday , on furlough, to visit his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Alva Allen and family. He will return to camp Thursday.
______________
Corning Gazette
9 Dec 1943
page 1
Cpl. Ralph Allen came Monday to spend his furlough with his parents Mr. and Mrs. Alva Allen and family.
__________________
Courier Tribune
23 Dec 1943
page 6
Corning
Cpl. Ralph Allen has returned to his camp in Pennsylvania after spending part of his furlough with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Alva Allen.
______________________
Courier Tribune
27 Mar 1944
page 6
Corning
Ralph Allen wrote his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Alva Allen, of his safe arrival in England. His address may be obtained from his parents.
______________
Courier Tribune
20 Nov 1944
page 1
Services Sunday for Ralph Allen
Army Technician Lost Life in Germany
Services for T/5 Ralph W. Allen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alva Allen, Corning, will be held at two 0’clock Sunday afternoon in Corning. A military service will be conduced after church rites, at the Corning cemetery. by members of the American Legion. The remains will arrive in Corning, Saturday.
Ralph lost his life December 14, 1944 in Western Germany where he was serving with the 34th tank battalion. He was 22 years old at the time of his death. He had been interred in the Henri Chapelle cemetery in Belgium and was recently brought from overseas.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank H. Rusche, Seneca, are uncle and aunt of Ralph.
__________________
Courier Tribune
15 Mar 1945
page 6
Corning
Memorial services will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock in the United Brethern church for Ralph Allen T-5, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alva Allen. Rev. L. A. Stone will give the address. There will be special music. The American Legion will have a part. Ralph Allen was killed in Germany and was buried in Belgium.
____________________
Courier Tribune
22 Mar 1945
page 6
Corning
Memorial services were held Sunday March 18 in the United Brethern Church in Corning at 2:30 o’clock in memory of Ralph Wayne Allen. Rev. C. Z. Allsbury, pastor of the Methodist Church read the scripture. Rev. T. C. Cocks, Centralia, gave the prayer. Rev. L. A. Stone, pastor of the church gave the address. Appropriate music was furnished by the quartet: Mrs. Frank Hannum, Mrs. Frank Steele, Mrs. Willis Dabner, Miss Bertha Snodgrass with Miss Jessie Rundel accompanist. “Some Day He’ll Make It Plain” was sung as a solo, and chorus. Mrs. Hannum was soloist. “America” was sung by the Congregation. Mrs. Steel as soloist sang “Invictus.” Rev. Stone read the obituary. The American Legion conducted the ritual services. Jesse Bradley was the commandant officer. D.r S. M. Myers chaplain. Frank Hannum and B. J. Clemens, were other Legionnaires who had parts. Will Crandall was color bearer. Mrs. B. J. Clemens also took part as a member of the Auxiliary. The American Legion and Auxiliary sat in a body. Legionnaires also attended form Goff. Dr. S. M> Myers presented the American Flag to the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Alva Allen.
Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Reaser and son, Larry and Miss Dorothea Alexander, Topeka; Frank Rusche Seneca, were among those form a distance who attended the memorial services for Ralph Allen.
Ralph Allen
Ralph Wayne Allen, fifth child and fourth son of Alva and Freda Allen was born April 23, 1922 near Corning, Kansas, and had lived here all his life until he entered Military Service. He attended grade and high schools of Corning and graduated with the class of 1940.
He volunteered for Military Service in February and was inducted in March 1942. He was sent to Camp Cooke, California and became a member of the 34th Tank Battalion of the 5th Armored Division and attained the rank of Technician Fifth Grade. He trained at this camp and was in Desert Maneuvers in California, then in Tennessee and later was stationed at Pine Camp, New York for about six months. About Feb. 1, 1944 they were moved to Indiantown Gap, Penn., and in a few weeks were sent overseas to England. Shortly after the invasion, they were in the thickest of it, part of the leading armored army through France and into Luxembourg and Belgium. It was during an attack on the enemy in Western Germany that Ralph was killed in action of December 14, 1944.
Word was received in Corning on December 31, and later, letters from his Captain and also Major General confirming his death and stating that it was instantaneous. Also that he had been given a military burial with services by a Protestant Chaplain and that he was laid to rest in a Military Cemetery in Eastern Belgium.
His parents have received the Purple Heart and letters from his officers praising him for his work as a soldier and friend. Ralph was very proud to be a soldier and was always cheerful and hopeful of the outcome. His death is a crushing blow, the first break in the family of six sons and one daughter.
He leaves to mourn, the parents, one sister, Mrs. Velma Reaser, Topeka; Marvin Allen, Tacoma, Wash.; Sgt. Eldon L. Allen, Alaska; Sgt. Walter Allen in Germany; Pvt Harold Dean Allen, somewhere in France; Rollin Allen of the home. Also two nephews, Larry Allen Reaser and Glen Allen and one niece, Sylvia Jane Allen, all of whom he was very fond.
Ralph was 22 years, seven months and 2 days old at the time of his death.
_______________________
The Courier Tribune
27 Oct 1947
page 1
Two from County in War Dead Home
Aboard Transport that Landed Yesterday
The United States army transport, Joseph V. Connolly, arrived at New York harbor yesterday with the bodies of some 6300 war dead.
Among those honored dead being returned to their native land are Ralph Allen of Corning and Raymond Rokey of Sabetha.
Ralph Allen, Technician 5th, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Alva Allen of Corning. He was in Co. B of the 34th tank Battalion, 5th Armored Division and died Dec. 14, 1944 in western Germany.
___________________
Courier Tribune
30 Jun 1949
page 6
Planted Trees as a Living Memorial
The American Legion Auxiliary of Corning, Arthur L. Mills Post 37, has a community project this year, planted four hard maple trees in the school yard as a living memorial to four young men of this community who gave their all for us. Three of the young men were graduates of Corning Rural High School.
Sgt. Eldon Welliever, son of Mr. and Mrs. Chester Welliever, in service of the army Air Corps, lost his life in a plane crash in China, on September 29, 1944.
Cpl. Ralph Allen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alva Allen, in army service, lost his life while engaged in battle in Western Germany, on December 14, 1944.
Joe Boeding, son of MR. and Mrs. Conrad Boeding, was a Torpedoman first class on the submarine “Trigger,” which was lost in the South Pacific on April 20, 1945.
William Jerome, who lost his life in the service while stationed in Europe is the son of Clifford Jerome, and of Mary Freel Jerome, now deceased. William’s parents were former Corning residents and his father attended Corning High School His mother was reared in the New Eden community. William’s body rests in the Corning cemetery beside his mother.