Murfreesboro, TN - Murfreesboro's Bill Allen, one of the survivors of the largest amphibious invasion in military history, celebrated the 80th anniversary of D-Day. 

The proud American who just turned age 99, made three drops onto the beaches of Normandy, France. On the fourth landing, his World War II ship hit an underwater mine, killing 117 sailors, with only Allen and 27 others surviving.

They were carrying tanks, troops and trucks to the shore and bringing back the dead to the fleet.

The hometown hero was honored Thursday night (6/6/2024) at the Nashville Sounds baseball game in Nashville. He was joined on the field by retired Army Lt. Gen. Keith Huber, MTSU’s senior adviser for veterans and leadership initiatives, Allen and his family were recognized as the guests of honor for the Sounds before the start of the minor league baseball team’s Military Appreciation Night at First Horizon Park.

Allen said, “I never expected anything like this.”

Allen’s daughter, Patti Hutchinson; his son-and-law Glen Hutchinson; grandson Will Hutchinson; and great-grandson Van Hutchinson were with the D-Day veteran at the game.

“This was a big, big night for him,” Patti Hutchinson said.

MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee and Huber invited Allen and his family to take part in Thursday’s night observance. It was also True Blue Night at the Sounds, also featuring MTSU’s Army ROTC color guard, recording industry junior Abby Webb singing the national anthem, MTSU Alumni Association activities and MTSU mascot Lightning hanging out with Sounds mascot Booster.

MTSU President Sidney McPhee noted, “It was an honor to host Mr. Allen, meet his family, listen to his account of that fateful day 80 years ago, and show our appreciation to his service and sacrifice.”

The game jerseys worn by the Sounds that night will be auctioned, with proceeds benefitting the Daniels Center. The Nashville Sounds ‘N’ logo is placed over the heart and emblazoned with the American flag, symbolizing the love for one’s country is in the heart of all who serve.

Gold is included around the logo and symbolizes the gold trim included in military service uniforms. The NASH nameplate over the right chest mimics the nameplate on military service uniforms and includes all who served in the Middle Tennessee area.

The six gold stars (three on each sleeve) represent the six branches of the United States military — Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Space Force. The three stars on each sleeve is also a nod to Huber’s three-star rank. 

The jersey auction began Tuesday, May 28, and runs through Monday, July 8. Fans can place bids online. The team will wear the jerseys one more time, July 5, and tickets for that game are on sale now.

The Daniels Center’s mission is to provide transition services for veterans and their families as they return to civilian life after military service. The Center is the largest and most comprehensive veterans center on any Tennessee higher education campus. It enables the over 1,000 military-connected student population on campus to have a one-stop shop to meet a variety of academic needs.