William Henry Allen

William Henry Allen (21 October 1784 – 18 August 1813) was an American naval officer during the War of 1812.

Early life
Allen was born in Providence, Rhode Island and was appointed a midshipman in the United States Navy on 28 April 1800. Between 1800 and 1807, he served successively in George Washington and Philadelphia. In 1807, he transferred to Chesapeake and, on 21 June, participated in the Chesapeake-Leopard Affair. Allen was credited with firing the only gun discharged in her own defense by the American ship.

War of 1812
By 1812, he was first lieutenant in United States and took part in the engagement with HMS Macedonian. At the conclusion of that capture, he was named to command the prize crew which took Macedonian into New York.

In 1813, he took command of the brig Argus. On 14 August, he led his ship in the engagement with HMS Pelican during which he received mortal wounds. A round shot cut off his right leg, but he remained at his station until he fainted from blood loss. After Argus' surrender, Allen was taken to the hospital at Plymouth's Millbay Prison where he died on 18 August 1813. Allen was buried with full military honors in the churchyard of St Andrew's, Plymouth, England.

Namesakes

 * Various ships USS Allen
 * Allen Street in Manhattan, New York City