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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain William E. Moore, Jr. (MCSN: 0-10191), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company E, Second Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Mariana Islands, 24 July 1944. Alert to the danger when his mission of contacting the right flank of an adjacent company was threatened by numerous enemy troops to the front and rear of his company’s position, Captain Moore organized a small reconnaissance patrol and, braving hostile rifle and machine-gun fire, led the patrol a distance of two hundred and fifty yards to a ridge. Then, facing intensified Japanese fire, he went over the ridge and, although shot through the lung, made a personal reconnaissance over exposed ground and located the company, remaining in command until his own company had been brought forward as ordered. His courageous leadership, fortitude and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    3d Marines

    Division:

    3d Marine Division

    Action Date:

    July 22 & 23, 1944
    Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 00420

    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, Mariana 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 inspiring leadership, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.