Malcom A. Moore

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Malcom A. Moore, First Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving with the 46th Pursuit Squadron, 15th Pursuit Group, at Wheeler Field and over the Island of Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, and waters adjacent thereto, on 7 December 1941. When surprised by a heavy air attack by Japanese forces on Wheeler Field and vicinity at approximately 8 a.m., First Lieutenant Moore proceeded by automobile, under heavy fire, to the hangar line where he assisted in extinguishing a fire in the hangar, thereby saving aircraft and ammunition. While the aircraft was being loaded with ammunition he was continuously under enemy fire of both cannon and machine guns. As soon as his guns were loaded he immediately took off for the purpose of attacking the invading forces, without first obtaining information as to the number or type of Japanese in the attacking force, and proceeded to a position over Kaena Point where he encountered an enemy aircraft which he immediately attacked and made a number of direct hits. Due to a heavy cloud formation the enemy aircraft managed to make his escape. Unable to locate any other enemy craft he returned to Wheeler Field. First Lieutenant Moore’s initiative, presence of mind, coolness under fire, expert maneuvering of his plane, and determined action contributed to a large extent toward driving off this sudden, unexpected enemy air attack.

Authority: “Heroes of Pearl Harbor”, Donald K. & Helen L. Ross