"People look at me and thought, This guy can do it." (Audio interview, 30:17)

James W. Allen

James Allen saluting the colors at his retirement ceremony [September 1980] War: Korean War, 1950-1953; Vietnam War, 1961-1975 Branch: Army; Army Unit: 7th Infantry Division; Saigon Area Drug Rehabilitation Service Service Location: United States; Korea; Germany; Vietnam; also: Vietnam Rank: First Sergeant; First Sergeant Place of Birth: FL

For James Allen, joining the Army was a means of escape from life in racially segregated Florida in the 1950s. He served in various administrative capacities in Korea and Vietnam during the wars fought there, always ready to take on a new challenge, even if he wasn't specifically trained for the job assignment. After retiring from the Army, he wound up back in Florida, where he has immersed himself in community and veterans programs in booming Flagler County, ready as ever to make the most of his talents.