Richard Vincent Allen (1936-2024) was a prominent American foreign policy expert and government official, best known for serving as National Security Advisor to President Ronald Reagan from 1981 to 1982. Born on January 1, 1936, Allen played a pivotal role in shaping Reagan's national security strategy during the early years of the administration. Prior to this appointment, in 1977, he acted as Reagan's chief foreign policy advisor, helping to lay the groundwork for the conservative foreign policy agenda that would define the Reagan era. Allen was a key architect of Reagan's national security team with deep ties to conservative think tanks, reflecting his alignment with Republican and neoconservative circles. After resigning from his position as National Security Advisor in 1982 amid controversies involving allegations of receiving gifts from Japanese journalists (though he was later cleared), Allen transitioned to academia and advisory roles. He became a fellow at the Hoover Institution, a prominent conservative think tank at Stanford University, where he contributed to policy research on international affairs and defense. Additionally, Allen served as a member of the Defense Policy Board Advisory Committee, providing strategic guidance on national security matters. His career also encompassed work as a business consultant and lawyer, underscoring his multifaceted professional background in government, law, and policy analysis. Throughout his life, Allen remained an influential figure in conservative foreign policy discussions, advocating for a strong U.S. stance against Soviet influence during the Cold War. He passed away on November 16, 2024, leaving a legacy as a dedicated public servant and intellectual in the realm of American national security.