Archie Lee Allen – US Marine Corps, Sergeant of Marines, Vietnam-era, Blog of Shame

militaryphonies

6 years ago

BACKGROUND

Archie Lee Allen comes to us from Burlington, Iowa. Allen died last month in a car wreck and was 71 years old when he passed away.

He was known to many in his community as having served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Here Allen wears a USMC cap with Sgt (E-5) insignia.

Prior to Allen’s death, people had contacted us about him, doubting his service. About a year before he died, someone had reached out to him about his military service.

As you can see, Allen claimed to be “a Vietnam era Marine 3rd. Marine 5th Div. Srg. 0311 66-71.”

When Allen died, his funeral was held with Military honors.

Photos of the funeral confirm military honors. People commented to thank Archie for his military service.

Some people were skeptical that Archie had ever even served in the military. Among them were family members who had been at his side since 1966 and claimed that he never served. Recall that Archie claims to have served from 1966-1971.

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ACTIONS CONDUCTED BY MILITARY PHONIES

Archie Lee Allen’s military records were ordered through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.

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FOIA RESULTS

NATIONAL PERSONNEL RECORDS CENTER (NPRC)

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DISCUSSION and SUMMARY

The NPRC could not locate military records for Archie Lee Allen. How could it be that a man could receive military honors at his funeral if they could not locate military records on him to prove that he served?

The answer: Everything was conducted based on hearsay. At a time like this, nobody wanted to be the one to question Allen’s military service.

Allen is buried in the Military section at Oakwood in Canton, Illinois. He was buried without a DD-214 being shown.

Several people warned others that Archie did not rate a military funeral.

STOLEN VALOR

If the claims by Archie Allen were used to leverage work, military or civilian promotions, or anything else of value, he may have been in violation of Stolen Valor laws. State laws may also apply.

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