Oral history of John Allen
Clemson University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives A video recording of an in-person interview conducted by Anna Hickey with Brigadier General John Allen on November 9, 2012, in Seneca, SC. Born on October 17, 1935, John Allen served in the United States Air Force, flying strategic bomber missions during the Cold War and Vietnam War. He talks about his extensive flight training and career progression, which led to his role as a bomber pilot.
Brigadier General Allen reflects on his time standing alert in bombers on nuclear missions, three tours in Vietnam, and flying bombing missions, including Operation Linebacker I and II. Beyond combat, he discusses his later role in military planning and logistics at the Pentagon, his post-retirement transition to Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) consulting and serving as a prominent advocate for military funding.