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Allsop graduated from East Orange High School in 1933 and was enrolled at UNC during 1935-36. He then attended the U.S. Naval Academy.
In May 1942, Allsop was a lieutenant aboard the oiler USS Neosho (AO-23), which was part of a U.S. task force sent into the Coral Sea to prevent a Japanese landing at Port Moresby, New Guinea. The ensuing battle between aircraft carriers was the first in history and would also be the first in which the opposing fleets never gained sight of each other.
On May 7, Japanese scout planes located the Neosho and her escort, the destroyer USS Sims (DD-409). The scouts erroneously reported that the two vessels were a “carrier and a cruiser,” and they were subjected to a high-level bombing attack during the morning. All bombs missed, but an attack by torpedo planes about noon destroyed both ships. Allsop was declared missing in action, one the many casualties among the crew of the Neosho. He was declared officially dead as of May 8, 1943.
The ensuing Battle of the Coral Sea the next day cost the U.S. Navy the carrier Lexington, as well as damage to the carrier Yorktown. The Japanese light carrier Shoho was sunk, the fleet carrier Shokaku was badly damaged, and the air group of the fleet carrier Zuikaku was badly depleted. The Yorktown was repaired in time to participate in the battle of Midway one month later, but neither Japanese carrier was available for the decisive battle of the Pacific War.
Sources:
GAA Alumni Records;
www.abmc.gov
USS NEOSHO - IN MEMORY OF THOSE WHO PERISHED DURING THE BATTLE OF THE CORAL SEA - 7TH MAY 1942 - SIT TIBI MARE LIBIS - (LIGHT LIE THE SEA UPON THEE)
Robert T. Allsopp was from East Orange, New Jersey. He was appointed to the US Naval Academy in 1936, where he was highly regarded by his classmates, and enjoyed boat club, wrestling, and tennis. He graduated in 1940. He was serving on the fleet oiler USS Neosho, when it was attacked and set afire by the Japanese, the Battle of the Coral Sea. Although 123 survivors were rescued, Ens. Allsopp was not one of them.
His actual birthdate is unknown, but the USNA Annual Register shows that he was admitted 25 June, 1936, and that his age was 20 years and 2 months.
He is memorialized at
Battle of the Coral Sea Memorial Park
Cardwell, Cassowary Coast Region, Queensland, Australia