Edward J. Moskala

Private First Class, U.S. Army

Medal of Honor Recipient

World War II

Private First Class Edward J. Moskala (6 November 1921 - 9 April 1945) was a U.S. Army soldier who was posthumously awarded the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during the Battle of Okinawa in World War II.

Edward J. Moskala was born on 6 November 1921 in Chicago, IL; he also joined the Army from that city. On 9 April 1945, he was serving as a Private First Class in Company C, 383rd Infantry Regiment, 96th Infantry Division. At Kakazu Ridge on Okinawa Island that day, he destroyed two enemy machine gun positions before voluntarily staying behind to cover his unit's withdrawal. He later helped rescue wounded men who had been left behind and was killed while aiding another wounded comrade. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company C, 383d Infantry, 96th Infantry Division.

Place and date: Kakazu Ridge, Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 9 April 1945.

Citation: He was the leading element when grenade explosions and concentrated machinegun and mortar fire halted the unit's attack on Kakazu Ridge, Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands. With utter disregard for his personal safety, he charged 40 yards through withering, grazing fire and wiped out 2 machinegun nests with well-aimed grenades and deadly accurate fire from his automatic rifle. When strong counterattacks and fierce enemy resistance from other positions forced his company to withdraw, he voluntarily remained behind with 8 others to cover the maneuver. Fighting from a critically dangerous position for 3 hours, he killed more than 25 Japanese before following his surviving companions through screening smoke down the face of the ridge to a gorge where it was discovered that one of the group had been left behind, wounded. Unhesitatingly, Pvt. Moskala climbed the bullet-swept slope to assist in the rescue, and, returning to lower ground, volunteered to protect other wounded while the bulk of the troops quickly took up more favorable positions. He had saved another casualty and killed 4 enemy infiltrators when he was struck and mortally wounded himself while aiding still another disabled soldier. With gallant initiative, unfaltering courage, and heroic determination to destroy the enemy, Pvt. Moskala gave his life in his complete devotion to his company's mission and his comrades' well-being. His intrepid conduct provided a lasting inspiration for those with whom he served.

Death and Burial

Private First Class Edward J. Moskala was killed in action on 9 April 1945. He is buried at Rock Island National Cemetery in Rock Island, IL, in Section E, Grave 293.