Martin Moses
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army

Martin Moses graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY, with the Class of 1927 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant of Infantry.

During the period 8 December 1941 to 5 January 1942, Lieutenant Colonel Moses was serving with the 12th Infantry Regiment, Philippine Scouts.

During that time, LTC Moses was cited for his extraordinary heroism against the Japanese 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, Philippine Army, at San Juan, La Union, on 21 December 1941; at Guagua and Lubac, Pampanga. 4 January 1942; and at other times and places too numerous to mention. However, all occurred during the period 8 December 1941 to 5 January 1942, when his Regiment was almost continuously in combat with the Japanese, receiving fire from both ground and air. In one critical situation after another, while under dangers and difficulties of inconceivable magnitude, and while LTC Moses' Regiment was progressively, completely disintegrating in action, LTC Moses carried on with courage and fortitude that were an inspiration to both subordinates and superiors alike. LTC Moses’ courageous actions and and inspiring leadership during those months day earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

On Luzon, Philippine Islands, from 8 December 1941 to March 1942, LTC 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, LTC Moses led his forces with superior technical ability in providing strong resistance to the initial major landings of the Japanese invaders in Lingayan Gulf. LTC Moses 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, LTC Moses dealt the enemy many destructive blows in the bitter struggle against overwhelming odds. Through LTC Moses’ leadership, aggressive fighting tactics, and sound knowledge of infantry tactics, he made a notable contribution to the heroic defense of the Philippine Islands. For LTC Moses’ exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service, he was awarded the Legion of Merit.

LTC Moses was captured in May 1943 and held at Bilibid Prison while a Prisoner of War. He was executed by the Japanese on 1 November 1943.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Silver Star Medal
Legion of Merit with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Bronze Star Medal
Purple Heart
Prisoner of War Medal
American Defense Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Bronze Star
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

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, 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' intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, 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.

United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

Memorialization

The remains of Lieutenant Colonel Martin Moses have never been recovered. He is memorialized with a Cenotaph at the Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, Arlington County, VA, at MH, 0, 240. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/1015195/martin-moses

Lieutenant Colonel Martin Moses is also memorialized by having his name inscribed on the Walls of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Manila, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Philippines. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56749921