Allen McKenzie Machia was born on April 22, 1920, in Vermont. He was the son of Edward Charles Machia. He was married to Luz Maria Benet Burgos de Machia. Allen served in the 565th Bomber Squadron, 389th Bomber Group, Heavy, as a Staff Sergeant during World War II. He also served as a Gunner of the B-24D-165-CO #4272866 or also known as ''Jackass Male''.

On April 1, 1944, his plane was assigned to bomb Ludwigshafen, Germany, but had a secondary mission to photograph the German V1 missile site at Siracourt, France. During this mission, the aircraft was struck by German anti-aircraft fire and crashed. Of the 11 crew members, only three survived, SSgt Machia was one of those instantly killed. SSgt Machia is now buried in the Zachary Taylor National Cemetery, Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky, USA. He was awarded the Purple Heart.