PARIS – Dale Francis Allen Jr. has been chosen at the Veteran of the Month at the Maine Veterans Home in Paris.

Allen entered the Navy on Nov. 27, 1950, at age 19. Five months earlier, North Korean forces had attacked South Korean positions south of the 38th parallel, touching off a war that would last for three years.

During that time, Allen served on the U.S. Nutrasta out of Newport, R.I., and aboard the cruiser U.S.S. Albany, sending home photos from such places as Italy, Spain and Greece.

Allen would, however, spend most of his service time stationed at the naval base in Argentia, Newfoundland, as a mechanic. The American flag was raised at the base in 1941. By the end of the Korean War, personnel numbered nearly 8,500. It was officially decommissioned in 1994.

Allen was honorably discharged Nov. 26, 1954, and remained in Newfoundland for another seven or eight years. He met his future wife, married and began his family. Their first two daughters were born there. He also started a baseball team, earning him a place in a book about Newfoundland.

Allen and his family then returned to the U.S. and settled in the Norway area, adding two more daughters and a son. For many years, Allen owned and operated an auto detailing shop. During the 1970s, he entered the Norway Police Department, stayed 10 years on the force, eventually becoming chief. He also joined the National Guard.

In 1992, Allen and his wife retired to Florida and remained there until her death in January 2005. Allen remained active in retirement. He enjoyed woodworking, playing bingo, painting and CB radios.

Allen received the Navy Occupation Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. He achieved the rank of engineman/fireman. He resides in the B unit.

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