In Memory

William E Moore Jr - Class Of 1938

William E Moore Jr

William Moore, Jr.

December 19, 1919 - March 7, 1989

 

Service:  Marine Corps Reserve

Rank:  Captain

Navy Cross Awarded for Actions During World War II

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain William E. Moore Jr. (MCSN 0-10191), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of Company E, Second Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Marianas Islands, on 22 and 23 July 1944.  When his company met intense enemy hand-grenade, machine-gun, knee mortar and rifle fire during an attack against strongly entrenched Japanese positions on commanding ground overlooking the landing beaches, Captain Moore succeeded in reorganizing his men and, personally leading a new attack in the face of the continued heavy hostile fire, became one of the first to reach the military crest of the slope.  On the following day, he led a third and fourth assault on the same hill under heavy Japanese machine-gun, mortar and rifle fire and, succeeding in driving the enemy back, secured the hill for the further advance of the Battalion.  His inspiriing leadership, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.