Master Commandant William Henry Allen (October 21, 1784 – August 18, 1813) was an American naval officer during the War of 1812.

Allen was born in Providence, Rhode Island, and was appointed a midshipman in the United States Navy on April 28, 1800.

Shortly after his appointment Allen was ordered on board the frigate George Washington, commanded by captain Bainbridge.

Upon returning to the United States in April 1801, he was ordered on board of USS Philadelphia, commanded by captain Samuel Barron.

[2] On February 17, 1807, after a short break in Providence, he was attached to USS Chesapeake, where he served in the rank third lieutenant under the command of captain Baron.

[1] On June 21, 1807, he participated in the Chesapeake-Leopard Affair in which USS Chesapeake was boarded by the British and four sailors were taken captive on suspicion of being deserters from the Royal Navy.

William Henry Allen was ordered to raid and destroy enemy shipping thus not to take prizes unless he deplete his numbers.

[5] Allen died on August 18, 1813, and was buried with full military honors in the churchyard of St Andrew's, Plymouth, England.

His father, William Allen, soon after the start of the American Revolution in June 1775, was commissioned an ensign in the 3rd Rhode Island Regiment in the Continental Army.