About Allen H. Turnage
Lived 1891 – 1971 (aged 80). Allen H. Turnage was an American military officer.
Allen Hal Turnage (January 3, 1891 – October 22, 1971) was a United States Marine Corps General who earned the Navy Cross and the Distinguished Service Medal while leading the 3rd Marine Division on Bougainville and Guam in World War II.
Biography General Turnage was born on January 3, 1891, in Farmville, North Carolina.
He attended the University of North Carolina before entering the Marine Corps as a second lieutenant on November 17, 1913. Following instruction for 17 months at the Marine Officers' School, Norfolk, Virginia, he joined the First Brigade in Haiti in 1915 and participated in expeditions against hostile Cacos in Northern Haiti, then was assigned to duty with the Haitian Constabulary until August 1918. and was interred with full military honors in Section 5 of Arlington National Cemetery. His Wife, Hannah Pyke Torrey Turnage (October 23, 1895 – March 20, 1982), whom he married on July 21, 1920, is buried with him.
Awards and decorations General Turnage's awards include:
Navy Cross citation TURNAGE, ALLEN H. Major General, U.S. Marine Corps Commanding General, 3d Marine Division Date of Action: November 1–27, 1943
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Allen H. Turnage, Major General, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding General of the Landing Force of the Third Marine Division (Reinforced), during the establishment of a beachhead in the Solomon Islands Area from November 1 to November 27, 1943. Leading his command with intrepidity and daring aggressiveness, major General Turnage frequently exposed himself to heavy enemy gunfire throughout the landing and operations essential to the attainment and consolidation of the final beachhead line at Empress August Bay, Bougainville Island. His conspicuous courage, distinguished leadership and resolute devotion to duty throughout this period were an inspiration to the officers and men in his command and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
SPOT AWARD, Serial 0049 (SofN Signed September 5, 1944)
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Allen H. Turnage?
United States Marine Corps general
When was Allen H. Turnage born?
Allen H. Turnage was born on 3 January 1891 in Farmville.
When did Allen H. Turnage die?
Allen H. Turnage died on 22 October 1971 in Bethesda, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
What was Allen H. Turnage's occupation?
Allen H. Turnage was a military officer.
What nationality was Allen H. Turnage?
Allen H. Turnage was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Allen H. Turnage. https://biography.guide/allen-h-turnage/
MLA: "Allen H. Turnage." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/allen-h-turnage/.
Chicago: "Allen H. Turnage." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/allen-h-turnage/.
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