John A. Moore

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to John A. Moore, Commander, U.S. Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GRAYBACK (SS-208), on the NINTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 2 December 1943 to 2 January 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the East China Sea. On the night of 18 – 19 December 1943, Commander Moore contacted a heavily escorted convoy of Japanese freighters. Maneuvering on the surface, he fired into the convoy, sinking one freighter, damaging two others and sinking a gunboat. On the same patrol he contacted another escorted convoy at night and sank three enemy freighters. He followed up with another attack and sank a converted minelayer, then destroyed an armed trawler while departing from the area. Through his experience and sound judgment Commander Moore brought his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 330 (September 1944)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to John A. Moore, Commander, U.S. Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GRAYBACK (SS-208), on the EGHTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 26 September 1943 to 10 November 1943, in enemy controlled waters of the East China Sea. During this aggressive patrol, Commander Moore made five separate well- planned and brilliantly executed torpedo attacks on escorted enemy ships which resulted in the sinking of an auxiliary cruiser and two freighters. Through his experience and sound judgment he brought his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 329 (August 1944)

The President of the United States takes Pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to John A. Moore, Airman Second Class, U.S. Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force on 2 March 1965. On that date, Airman Moore, acting as a Pararescue Specialist of an HH-43F helicopter, flew rescue missions totaling two and one half hours over unfriendly territory in search of two downed pilots. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Airman Moore, after flying cover while another helicopter picked up the first pilot, proceeded inland for the second pilot. During this time, the helicopter encountered continuous antiaircraft and small arms fire. Approximately ten miles further inland, the second pilot was sighted in the jungle and lifted one hundred feet to the safety of the helicopter. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Airman Moore has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to John A. Moore, Commander, U.S. Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GRAYBACK (SS-208), on the TENTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 26 January 1944 to 26 February 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the East China Sea. While conducting the patrol of his ship in Japanese-infested waters, Commander Moore skillfully penetrated strong escort screens to deliver smashing torpedo attacks against hostile shipping. By his daring, aggressive tactics he succeeded in sinking and damaging an important amount of hostile tonnage. The conduct of Commander Moore throughout this patrol reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 336 (March 1945)