Allen F. Hess Sr. was born in Camden on April 16, 1926, to Mary and Harry Hess. By 1927, the family resided at 2733 Sherman Avenue in Cramer Hill. Harry Hess joined the Camden Fire Department on April 4, 1928, and served for many years.
On May 9, 1944, Allen F. Hess enlisted in the United States Army at Fort Dix, New Jersey. Qualifying for flight duty, he trained as a bomber crew member and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was awarded the Air Medal, indicating he flew at least five combat missions, likely serving as a gunner.
After completing his military service, Allen returned to Camden, where his parents still lived at 2733 Sherman Avenue as late as 1947. On November 14, 1950, he was appointed to the Camden Fire Department. Allen Hess was promoted to captain in May 1960, Battalion Chief on June 11, 1966, and later to Deputy Chief. After serving the City of Camden for 40 years, Chief Hess retired on May 1, 1991.
By October 1956, Allen F. Hess had moved to 3064 Mickle Street in East Camden, which remained his home until Camden lifted the residency restrictions for its firefighters. By 1977, he had moved to the Barclay Farms section of Cherry Hill, New Jersey.
Allen F. Hess passed away on January 22, 2001. He was survived by his wife, the former C. Marion Davis, his son Allen F. Hess Jr., daughters Patty Janus and Joann Erenhouse, and six grandchildren.
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Allen F. Hess
Allen F. Hess Sr. was born in Camden on April 16, 1926, to Mary and Harry Hess. By 1927, the family resided at 2733 Sherman Avenue in Cramer Hill. Harry Hess joined the Camden Fire Department on April 4, 1928, and served for many years. On May 9, 1944, Allen F. Hess enlisted in the…
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