George Fleming Moore
Major General, U.S. Army

George Fleming Moore was born on 31 July 1887 in Austin, TX, the son of John Marks Moore, Jr. and Mary Estelle Grace Moore.

Moore graduated from Texas A&M University in 1908. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army a year later, and assigned to the Coastal Artillery Corps, where he served through World War One and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

In 1937, he returned to Texas A&M where he was assigned as Commandant of Cadets and shortly afterwards promoted to the rank of Colonel.

In World War II, then-Brigadier General Moore fought in the Bataan Campaign, later becoming commander of the Harbor Defenses of Manila and Subic Bays in the Philippines at the time of the 1941 Japanese invasion. He was given command of the Philippine Coast Artillery with roughly 5,000 men and four forts to defend Corregidor.

On 9 April 1942, Army forces on Bataan surrendered to the Japanese and those not captured retreated to the last American stronghold on the island fortress of Corregidor, where Brigadier General Moore commanded the Island's defense. After one month of siege, Lieutenant General Jonathan Wainwright surrendered the Island garrison on 6 May 1942. Moore was captured by the Japanese and held as a POW until liberated in August 1945. Moore was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and Distinguished Service Medal while in captivity.

After the war, Moore briefly served as Army Commander in the Pacific in 1946 before retiring at the rank of Major General in 1949.

Moore committed suicide with his service weapon eight months later at the age of 62.

Medals and Awards

Distinguished Service Cross
Army Distinguished Service Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Prisoner of War Medal
World War I Victory Medal
American Defense Service Medal with Foreign Service Clasp
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 2 Bronze Stars
World War II Victory Medal
Philippine Defense Ribbon with Bronze Star

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major General George F. Moore (ASN: 0-2677), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving while in charge of the Harbor Defenses at Manila and Subic Bays, Philippine Islands, during the months of March and April 1942. Major General Moore displayed great gallantry in continually visiting the most exposed elements in his command, and repeatedly passed from one echelon to another during sustained hostile attacks, giving encouragement, directing operations, and by his courage and example inspiring the heroic efforts of his command. The splendid efficiency and dogged determination of this garrison was largely based on his efficiency, tenacity, and individual courage. Major General Moore's intrepid actions, 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 United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, South West Pacific Area, General Orders No. 3 (1942)

Honors

Moore Hall – a residence hall at Texas A&M University is named in his honor.

Death and Burial

Major General George Fleming Moore died on 2 December 1949. He is buried at Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, CA.