Allen Henry Court '64: A Lasting Legacy

Choosing to live the life of a citizen-soldier is a noble endeavor. Born June 15, 1942, Class of 1964 graduate Allen Henry Court lived his life and served his country with Captain Alden Partridge’s ideals held closely in his heart. Though he passed away at the age of 82 on June 3, his legacy will live forever through a scholarship in his name.

Following his graduation and commissioning as a second lieutenant in the Army, he served in the 69th Armor Regiment, which was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division where he served as the tank unit commander for nearly two years. Court was promoted to first lieutenant in March of 1966 and was honored with the National Defense Service Medal, a Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and one Overseas Bar. He was honorably discharged a few months later on Sept. 14, 1966, though he continued his life of service in the Army Reserves until 1970.

Court utilized his business degree following his full-time return to civilian life when he joined Manufacturers Hanover Trust in New York City as an executive trainee and branch credit assistant. By 1971 he was lured out west to Union Bank in Los Angeles to serve as their senior vice president/bank manger. His career spanned 45 years, and saw additional stints at Toronto Dominion, Manufacturers Bank, Imperial Bank, City National Bank, First Regional Bank, and Grandpoint Bank.

Though he was busy in his leadership positions, Court held a lifelong interest in learning. During his career he completed a Master of Business Administration at Pepperdine University and graduated from Pacific Coast Banking School in Washington. Though he briefly pursued a Series 7 insurance license, he returned “home” to banking. He retired in 2012 at the age of 70.

Court rests at the Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, California. His class ring and the military flag which was presented during his funeral have both been passed along to the University by way of a close friend. Additionally, she shares her thoughts with the broader Norwich community that he held so close to his heart:

When Allen was nearing the end of his high school career, his father took him to the local library, looked up colleges and said, “Pick one. You are going to college.” Allen picked Norwich University, where he entered as a wet-behind-the-ears cadet, received a secular education, and was trained to military life. He served as a military MP at school and was responsible for maintaining order among his classmates. He majored in business administration and graduated in 1964. After graduation, he entered the Army as a second lieutenant and served a tour in Vietnam as a tank unit commander. The associations he made at Norwich and the camaraderie with his fellow classmates, and later his fellow soldiers, engendered a brotherhood that stayed with him throughout his life. He remained a patriot and a proud veteran.

Allen has remained loyal to Norwich University throughout his life and spoke often about how his training and education there impacted his life. He attended several of the Homecoming weekends and was determined to leave the whole of his estate to the university so that future generations of cadets have the same opportunity he did.