WWII Hero Gets Proper Burial Recognition in Port Washington

A World War II Veteran credited for saving countless lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor finally has a burial plaque in his honor at Nassau Knolls Cemetery in Port Washington.

Officials say Sgt. Theodore Allen was based at Fort Ruger in the Hawaiian Islands, and blew the “Call to Arms” on his bugle as the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor began on Dec. 7, 1941. His action gave advanced warning to his fellow soldiers, sparing many lives.

Since his passing in 1990, Allen was interned with his brother, also a WWII vet, without a headstone or plaque honoring his service, according to Rep. Steve Israel, D-Dix Hills.

Allen’s daughter, Thea Allen Wudyka, tried for years to have a plaque installed, but became “entangled in red tape” after learning that she would need to pay a $658 installation fee to the cemetery, Israel’s office said.

Frustrated after years of fighting with no success, Wudyka recently turned to Israel’s office for help. The congressman worked with the VA in obtaining the new plaque. Wudyka, meanwhile, partnered with the Port Washington American Legion, the Port Washington VFW, and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church to cover the cost of the installation fee.

The new plaque, bearing both Allen brothers’ names, was delivered to the cemetery by the VA in late August.

The burial plaque was unveiled at Nassau Knolls Cemetery on Friday, Sept. 5. Joining Wudyka were Israel; John Chalker from the Port Washington American Legion; Arthur Wade from the Port Washington VFW; and Rev. Stuart Huntley from St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Port Washington.

“Sgt. Allen was a hero, and I am thrilled that my office and members of the Port Washington community were able to help his daughter receive the long-awaited recognition her late father deserves,” Israel said.