Laurence Earl Allen

He grew up on the family farm and learned all of the related responsibilities.

When he was 9 years old he suffered an accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down.

Every effort was made to help to no avail until they happened to meet a Chiropractor who treated him, resulting in complete recovery.

As a result he decided to dedicate his life’s work to Chiropractic so he might help to others as he had been helped.

He graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1939, and served his internship at various locations in Michigan.

He was married to Elsie Stabnau in 1940. And opened his practice in l941.

When Pearl Harbor was bombed in December 1941, Larry joined the US Navy on September 25, 1942 and was immediately sent to Great Lakes Training Center for additional training in hospital procedure. He was then sent to Camp Elliot for additional medical training. Then to Camp Washington for x-ray training.

Larry was assigned to the 5th Marine Division in Camp Pendleton and after receiving additional field medical training he was assigned to set up the complete field combat medical department for the 27th Regiment of the 5th Marine Division.

Larry shipped out in Late January 1945 for Iwo Jima. That invasion was estimated to take three days but ended up taking 35 days.

When Larry landed on the shores of Iwo Jima on February19, 1945 at 9:02 am with the 5th Marine Division, he immediately moved to secure the Battalion Aid Station with 2 MD’s and 20 medical troops. He was continually sent to the front line to advance the aid station.

On March 8th while looking for a new location for the aid station, Larry discovered Lt. Jack Lummus who had stepped on a land mine which blew off both of his legs. Before Larry could reach him a enemy soldier launched a bomb that covered him with dirt. He continued after Lt. Lummis and stopped his bleeding and prepared him for transport to an aid station.

Larry left Iwo Jima on March 20. He sailed back to Hawaii and began to experience eye failure twice a day. Shortly thereafter, Larry was reassigned for combat and sailed for Saipan, By this time the war had ended. Since he was the only medic that had survived from his original unit, he was sent back to the US and landed in San Francisco.

A short time later, Larry was placed on a troop train and transported to Great Lakes separation center for processing and discharge. Upon arriving at Great Lakes, Larry’s eyes were completely bad and was unable to be diagnosed.

Larry was becoming more and more anxious to return home but still no results. Finally he happened to come across General Plane, a Marine that he had treated on Iwo Jima. The General listened to his story and finally arranged for his separation on December 6th, 1945.

His eye trouble continued and he was treated for Glucoma the rest of his life.

Back to Civilian life he resumed his practice as a Chiropractor which was a start to his 60 year careet.

He was a member of every civic organization and a volunteer for many others, especially his church which was the main part of his life.

Upon retirement he moved to Sun City Arizona in 1978.

He continue to volunteer in many areas, especially Sun City Prides and Calligraphy Club.

Larry was called home to his Heavenly Father on March 19, 2014. We will all miss him.