World War II Honoree

John Otto Dax Moench

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Valparaiso, Indiana

Honored By

Mary Coppa Moence

Relationship

Wife

ENTERED AS AVIATION CADET IN 1942. COMMISSIONED 2ND LIEUTENANT AND AWARDED PILOT STATUS IN AUGUST 1943. CHECKED OUT IN MARTIN B-26 MARAUDER AND JOINED 454TH SQUADRON, 323RD BOMBARDMENT GROUP IN ENGLAND. SERVED TO END OF CONFLICT IN EUROPE FLYING OVER 60 COMBAT MISSIONS. CONTINUED SERVICE IN DISARMAMENT OF GERMANY. ENDED WWII SERVICE AS A MAJOR AND AS ASSISTANT GROUP OPERATIONS OFFICER OF THE 323RD GROUP. AWARDED DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS AND AIR MEDAL WITH 11 OAK LEAF CLUSTERS.