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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Martin Moses (ASN: 0-16924), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service on Luzon, Philippine Islands, from 8 December 1941 to March 1942. Colonel Moses was responsible for the skillful and intensive training of cadres of the 11th Division upon the mobilization of the Philippine Army. Subsequently as Commanding Officer, 12th Infantry Regiment, Philippine Army, he led his forces with superior technical ability in providing strong resistance to the initial major landings of the Japanese invaders in Lingayan Gulf. He then commanded his regiment in a brilliant delaying action during the withdrawal to the south, and later held a flank beach defense position in Bataan Peninsula. Deploying his troops along the important front of the Philippine Corps, he dealt the enemy many destructive blows in the bitter struggle against overwhelming odds. Through his leadership, aggressive fighting tactics, and sound knowledge of infantry tactics, Colonel Moses made a notable contribution to the heroic defense of the Philippine Islands.

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Philippine Islands)

    Action Date:

    May 1943 – Died in Captivity

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Martin Moses (ASN: 0-16924), United States Army, was captured during fighting in the Philippine Islands in May 1943 and was held as a Prisoner of War until his execution in November 1943.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    12th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    11th Division, Philippine Army

    Action Date:

    December 21, 1941 – January 5, 1942
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Martin Moses (ASN: 0-16924), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism against the enemy without the least regard for his own personal safety and for courage, energy and efficiency of the very highest order as Commander of the 12th Infantry Regiment, 11th Division, Philippine Army, at San Juan, La Union, on 21 December 1941; at Guagua and Lubac, Pampanga. January 4, 1942; and at other times and places too numerous to mention but all occurring during the period December 8, 1941, to January 5, 1942, his regiment being almost continuously in contact with the enemy under fire from ground and air. In one critical situation after another attended by dangers and difficulties of inconceivable magnitude, his Regiment progressively and completely disintegrating in action, Major Moses carried on with courage and fortitude that were an inspiration to both subordinates and superiors alike. Lieutenant Colonel Moses’ extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Division:

    Luzon Guerrilla Forces

    Action Date:

    1942 – 1943
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Martin Moses (ASN: 0-16924), United States Army, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit (Posthumously) for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with the Luzon Guerrilla Forces from 1942 to 1943.