4th FW honors WWII veteran

U.S. Air Force Col. Patrick Doherty unveils the street sign for Don Allen Court as the Allen family watches on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., May 18, 2012. The street was named after Staff Sgt. Don Allen, a World War II veteran, who served as a maintainer in the 334th Fighter Squadron. While assigned to the 334th FS Allen painted nose art on 56 aircraft. Reproductions of Allen’s art hang in the Seymour Johnson Consolidated Support Center. Doherty, the 4th Fighter Wing commander, is from Bellevue, Neb. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore/Released)

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4th FW honors WWII veteran

U.S. Air Force Col. Patrick Doherty addresses the crowd during a ceremony to unveil Don Allen Court in family housing on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., May 18, 2012. The court was named after Staff Sgt. Don Allen, a World War II veteran, who served as a maintainer in the 334th Fighter Squadron and painted art on 56 aircraft. Reproductions of Allen’s nose art hang in the Seymour Johnson Consolidated Support Center. Doherty, the 4th Fighter Wing commander, is from Bellevue, Neb. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore/Released)

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4th FW honors WWII veteran

The 4th Fighter Wing honored Staff Sgt. Don Allen, a World War II veteran, by naming a street in housing after him during a ceremony on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., May 18, 2012. Nearly every street on base is named after aviation pioneers, such as the Wright Brothers, or other notable Air Force officers. Allen’s recognition was meant to honor all enlisted maintainers who kept the force's planes in the air throughout the years. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore/Released)

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4th FW honors WWII veteran

Published May 24, 2012
By Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Members of the 4th Fighter Wing paused to honor their heritage and an Airman who became notorious in the 334th Fighter Squadron during World War II.

Staff Sgt. Don Allen, a World War II veteran, served as a mechanic with the 334th FS in England. During his free time, the graduate of the Cleveland School of Art, began adorning the unit's P-47 Thunderbolts and P-51 Mustangs with nose art. By the time he left the country Allen painted 56 aircraft.

At the age of 92, Allen traveled to Seymour Johnson for the unveiling of Don Allen Court in Berkeley Manor. Nearly every street on base is named after aviation pioneers, such as the Wright Brothers, or other notable Air Force officers. Allen's recognition is meant to honor all enlisted maintainers who kept the force's planes in the air throughout the years.

Reproductions of Allen's art hang in the Seymour Johnson Consolidated Support Center for public viewing.