The Brave Legacy of Major-General Roderick Random: A Tale of Valor and Honor
Roderick Random Allen came into the world on the crisp morning of January 29th, 1894, welcomed as the cherished offspring of Jefferson Buffington and Emma (Albers) Allen. The bustling town of Marshall, Texas, set the stage for his arrival, where the echoes of life intertwined with the promise of a new generation. As the sun rose and set over the quaint streets of Marshall, young Roderick embarked on his journey through childhood, a journey that would mold his character and shape his destiny.
However, it was in the charming town of Palestine, Texas, that Roderick’s formative years unfolded. Surrounded by the rustic beauty of East Texas, he reveled in the simple pleasures of youth, amidst the whispering pines and babbling brooks that adorned the landscape. Here, amidst the warmth of community and the embrace of family, Roderick forged bonds that would endure a lifetime.
His academic pursuits led him to the hallowed halls of Texas A&M University, where he delved into the realm of knowledge with fervor and determination. In the year 1915, amidst a backdrop of academic excellence and intellectual curiosity, Roderick proudly walked across the stage to receive his Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture, a testament to his dedication and scholarly prowess. As he stood amidst his peers, the echoes of applause reverberated through the auditorium, marking the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance.
Upon joining the military, Roderick Random Allen’s journey took a decisive turn. In November 1916, he earned his stripes as a second lieutenant, commissioned into the esteemed 16th Cavalry Regiment. Swiftly rising through the ranks, his prowess and dedication saw him ascend to the position of first lieutenant, stationed at Mercedes, Texas, guarding the Mexican border.
His transfer to the Third Cavalry in June 1917 marked a new chapter in his military career, culminating in his promotion to captain in October of the same year. As the clouds of World War I gathered, Allen found himself thrust into the heart of the conflict, dispatched to France with the 3rd Cavalry Regiment under the banner of the American Expeditionary Force, under the esteemed leadership of General John J. Pershing. From November 1917 to January 1918, he served as an aerial observer with the First Observation Squadron, Aviation Section, Signal Corps, contributing his skills and bravery to the war effort.
The interwar period ushered in a series of diverse experiences and educational pursuits for Allen. In 1919, he ventured to the University of Toulouse in France, enriching his understanding of the world amidst the backdrop of post-war Europe. Returning to the United States in July 1919, he rejoined the Third Cavalry at Fort Ethan Allen, Vermont. His thirst for knowledge and advancement led him to the Cavalry School at Fort Riley, Kansas, in 1923, where he honed his military expertise before assuming command of Company A, 7th Cavalry, at Fort Bliss.
The years that followed were marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence. Graduating from the Command and General Staff School at Fort Leavenworth in 1928, Allen’s leadership skills were further recognized with his appointment as battalion commander of the 32nd Armor Regiment. His trajectory continued upward as he assumed roles of increasing responsibility, including serving as chief of the Personnel Section at the Office of the Chief of Cavalry in Washington, D.C.
The 1930s brought a flurry of educational achievements, with Allen’s attendance at institutions such as the Chemical Warfare School, the Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. Throughout this period, he remained a steadfast staff officer, contributing his expertise to the Plans and Training Division of the War Department General Staff in Washington, D.C.
By 1940, Allen’s reputation as a capable leader was firmly established. Appointed as the Executive Officer of the First Armored Regiment at Fort Knox, Kentucky, he continued to distinguish himself within military circles. His subsequent transfer to the 3rd Armored Division at Camp Beauregard, Louisiana, in April 1940, set the stage for his ascent to colonel and command of the 32nd Armored Regiment, a position he assumed with characteristic resolve on October 14th of the same year.
In the tumultuous landscape of World War II, Roderick Random Allen’s leadership continued to shine. January of 1942 saw him assume the crucial role of Chief of Staff for the 6th Armored Division, operating under the command of Major General William H. H. Morris Jr. His dedication and strategic acumen didn’t go unnoticed, leading to his promotion to brigadier general on May 23rd of the same year. With this new rank came fresh responsibilities as he took command of Combat Command A within the 4th Armored Division, plunging headfirst into maneuvers at the Tennessee Maneuver Area in Watertown and later at the California-Arizona Maneuver Area (CAMA).
From October 1943 to September 1944, Allen assumed command of the newly activated 20th Armored Division at Camp Campbell, Kentucky, demonstrating his ability to lead and organize troops during a critical phase of preparation. Recognizing his leadership prowess, the military bestowed upon him the rank of major general in the Army of the United States on February 23, 1944, a testament to his unwavering commitment and expertise.
September 20, 1944, marked a pivotal moment in Allen’s military career as he assumed command of the 12th Armored Division just before its deployment to the European Theater of Operations. Taking the reins from Major General Douglass T. Greene, Allen led the division through the trials and triumphs of combat in Europe from September 1944 to August 1945. Tasked with supporting the 7th Army under the leadership of Lieutenant General Alexander Patch, the division played a crucial role in Operation Dragoon, the Allied invasion of southern France in August 1944.
Under Allen’s command, the 12th Armored Division seamlessly integrated into the Sixth United States Army Group, commanded by General Jacob Devers, in September 1944. Joined by the French First Army under General Jean de Lattre de Tassigny, Allen’s division marched forward, demonstrating resilience and valor in the face of adversity. By November 1944, the 12th Armored Division, under Allen’s astute leadership, rendezvoused with the 7th Army at Rouen, further solidifying its contribution to the Allied effort in Europe.
Under General Allen’s command, the 12th Armored Division embarked on a critical campaign against the formidable Maginot Line fortifications in Alsace, only to encounter staunch resistance from German Wehrmacht and SS Panzer Divisions. In January 1945, the division found itself thrust into the midst of a fierce battle as it sought to reclaim territory lost during Germany’s Operation Nordwind, a desperate attempt by German forces to recapture Strasbourg.
The conflict escalated on January 5, 1945, when the German XIV Corps, led by General Otto von dem Bach, established a bridgehead across the Rhine at Gambsheim, supported by the 553rd Volksgrenadier Division and the German 405th Infantry Division. Despite efforts by the U.S. 79th Infantry Division to contain the bridgehead, the Germans pressed forward, sending the Eighth Mountain Division across the Rhine to further challenge American defenses.
In response to the escalating threat, General Patch of the Seventh Army dispatched the 12th Armored Division’s Company Command B (CCB), under the leadership of Colonel Charles B. Bromley, to reinforce the embattled VI Corps. Engaging in fierce combat around Herrlisheim, CCB suffered significant casualties, with Company B experiencing a staggering 50% casualty rate.
Efforts to provide cover with tanks from the 714th Tank Battalion were met with fierce resistance from well-directed anti-tank artillery, resulting in heavy losses for the Medium Sherman M4A3 tanks. Despite subsequent attempts by Company C, 714th Tank Battalion, and the 56th Armored Infantry Battalion to launch a coordinated attack, German artillery barrages and determined defenders thwarted their efforts.
General Allen’s decision to renew the attack on January 10th led to intense fighting, with the 12th Armored Division sustaining substantial casualties in their bid to reduce the bridgehead. However, recognizing the untenable situation, Colonel Bromley advocated for containment rather than further engagement. This disagreement led to his temporary relief of command by General Allen, though he was later reinstated.
The following days witnessed continued clashes around Herrlisheim, culminating in a devastating assault by elements of the 10th SS Panzer Division. The 12th Armored Division endured significant losses, with casualties totaling 1,250 and the loss of 70 combat vehicles during the 11-day struggle. Despite the heavy toll, the division persisted in their defense, ultimately contributing to the failure of the German offensive.
By January 31, Herrlisheim was liberated as the Germans withdrew, marking a significant victory for the Allied forces. Subsequently, on January 22, the division transitioned to the command of the French First Army, under General de Lattre de Tassigny, as operations shifted south of Strasbourg. Assigned to close the Colmar Pocket, the 12th Armored Division continued to play a pivotal role in the Allied advance, cementing its place in the annals of military history.
After surmounting the formidable Siegfried Line, the 12th Armored Division, under General Allen’s leadership, approached the Rhine during the early days of March 1945. Detached from the 7th Army once more, the division was reassigned to the 3rd Army commanded by General George Patton. In a strategic maneuver aimed at concealing the true strength of Patton’s forces during Operation Undertone, General Allen ordered the removal of all divisional markings and insignias. This clandestine action earned the division the enigmatic nickname of “The Mystery Division.”
With their identity shrouded in secrecy, the 12th Armored Division played a pivotal role in spearheading the crossing of the Rhine. Under General Allen’s guidance, the division accompanied the XXI Corps into Austria, where they played a crucial role in capturing key cities such as Nuremberg and Munich, effectively hastening the end of the war in Europe around the area of Ulm.
In the aftermath of World War II, Major General Roderick R. Allen continued to serve his country in various capacities. From August 1945 to February 1946, he commanded the First Armored Division in Germany before assuming the role of director of operations, plans, and training at European Theater headquarters. His dedication and expertise were recognized with promotions, first to Colonel in the Regular Army on November 1, 1945, and later to Brigadier General on January 24, 1948.
Transitioning into the post-war era, General Allen held significant positions within the U.S. Army, including Director of Intelligence for U.S. Army Ground Forces from 1947 to 1948 and Commanding General of the 3rd Armored Division at Fort Knox from April 1948 until June 1950. With the outbreak of the Korean War, he was assigned to the Far Eastern Command & UN Command in Japan, where he served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief of Staff, Korean Operations.
General Allen’s leadership continued to be instrumental as he assumed command of the XVI Corps in Japan in 1951 and was subsequently appointed as Commanding General of the 9th Infantry Division in 1952. His illustrious military career culminated with his final command post as Commanding General of the New England Subarea & Boston Army Base & Fort Devens, MA, where he served until his retirement in 1954.
Major General Roderick R. Allen’s legacy of service and dedication to his country endured beyond his military career. Following his retirement on May 31, 1954, he resided in Washington, D.C., until his passing at the age of 76 on February 1, 1970. He rests alongside his wife, Maydelle Campbell Allen, at Arlington National Cemetery, a testament to his enduring commitment to duty and honor.
On April 25, 1917, Roderick Allen exchanged vows with Maydelle Campbell, marking the beginning of a lifelong partnership. Together, they were blessed with two daughters, their family growing amidst the backdrop of Allen’s distinguished military career.
Throughout his time in the Army, Roderick Allen’s proficiency as a marksman was widely acknowledged. His skill with firearms earned him acclaim, with notable achievements highlighting his prowess. In 1921–22, he proudly served as a member of the national Cavalry-Engineering Rifle Team, showcasing his precision and accuracy on the shooting range. The following year, in 1923, Allen’s exceptional marksmanship earned him the esteemed Distinguished Marksmanship Medal as a member of the national Cavalry Rifle Team, a testament to his dedication and skill. Undeterred by the passage of time, his commitment to excellence remained unwavering, as evidenced by his role as Captain of the Cavalry Rifle and Pistol Team in 1929, further solidifying his reputation as a sharpshooter of remarkable talent and distinction.
