On this day in history, Bull Allen, actually Leslie Clarence Allen (9 November 1916

On this day in history, Bull Allen, actually Leslie Clarence Allen (9 November 1916 - 11 May 1982), who was an Australian soldier in WWII and the owner of the U.S.

Silver Star order and the British Military Medal, died. He owes his fame to his engagement in the Battle of Mount Tambu, in which he rescued twelve American soldiers under heavy enemy fire.

.

In September 1940, he was embarked for reinforcement for the 2nd/5th Battalion in North Africa and served as a stretcher bearer in D-Company. There he got his nickname 'Bull' because he engaged like a 'bull' in Australian football.

He showed himself to be a good soldier during the Libyan campaign, but was admitted to the hospital because of an anxiety neurosis. He rejoined the battalion shortly before the Syrian Campaign.

.

The 2nd/5th Battalion left the Middle East in

March 1942, and later served briefly in Sri Lanka and Australia. It was then transferred to Papua New Guinea in October. Despite malaria, he was ordered to defend Wau with his battalion. There he was awarded the Military Medal after saving several wounded men under heavy gunfire. In April he got promoted to corporal.

.

After a failed American attack during the Battle of Mount Tambu (Salamaua Peninsula, Papua New Guinea), 50 soldiers were wounded. Two medics were killed trying to save them. Allan brought 12 American soldiers to his camp to safety under heavy gunfire, by pulling them over his shoulders one after the other. For these services he was awarded the Silver Star Medal, and the American public saw him as a war hero. Even First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt was his penpal. He later named his daughter Eleanor after her.

.

Comment - Like - Share - Follow