Chester R. Allen

Chester Robinson Allen (February 6, 1905 – April 10, 1972) was decorated officer of the United States Marine Corps with the rank of major general. He spent his career mostly in Quartermaster Department of the Marine Corps beginning in the field assignments, ultimately reaching the capacity of Quartermaster General of the Marine Corps. He held this office between dates January 1, 1960 – June 30, 1963.

Early career

Chester R. Allen was born on February 6, 1905, in Somerville, Tennessee. But his family later moved to Florida, where he attended public schools in Auburndale and Lakeland. Allen then enrolled the University of Florida in Gainesville and graduated in June 1929 with bachelor's degree. While at University, he was a member of varsity football and boxing teams and also received army reserve commission as a member of Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps unit in May 1929. Allen was also a member of Sigma Lambda Tau social fraternity.

In June 1932, Allen was attached to the Marine detachment aboard the battleship USS Nevada and served with the Pacific Fleet until July 1934. While aboard that ship, Allen served simultaneously as Coach and player, USS Nevada football squad. He was subsequently attached to the Marine barracks at Bremerton Navy Yard, Washington and promoted to the rank of first lieutenant in March 1935. While in this capacity, Allen captained the Bremerton Marine Rifle and Pistol Team, which won the San Diego Trophy Match in March 1936.

Allen then returned to the United States, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel and served temporary duty at Headquarters Marine Corps in Washington, D.C., until February 1943, when he was attached to the Depot of Supplies, San Francisco under Brigadier General Arnold W. Jacobsen. He served as chief of the Ordnance Division there and received the Navy Commendation Medal for his meritorious service.

Later service BG Allen (first from right) during the Letter of Appreciation presentation to William McMillan (second from left) for the International shooting match in Moscow, 1958. Others are Commandant Randolph M. Pate (in civil suit) and Colonel Robert D. Moser, Head of Marksmanship Training Branch, G-3, HQMC. Allen was promoted to the rank of colonel in August 1945 and ordered back to the Pacific area. He served with 2nd Marine Division under Major General LeRoy P. Hunt during the occupation of Japan. Allen was transferred to Pearl Harbor in July 1946 and assumed duties as logistics officer, Service Command, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific.