World War II Honoree

Lloyd C. Moffitt

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Douglas County, Nebraska

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

RANK: MAJOR. JAPANESE PRISONER OF WAR FOR 32 MONTHS. SERVED WITH REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS AS EXECUTIVE OFFICER, 2ND BATTALION, 31ST INFANTRY REGIMENT. WHILE ENGAGED IN COMBAT DURING THE DEFENSE OF LUZON AND RETREATING TO THE BATAAN PENINSULA, THE JAPANESE INVADING FORCES CAPTURED HIM APRIL 9, 1942 DURING THE INVASION OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS. FORCED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE BATAAN DEATH MARCH AND WAS HELD CAPTIVE AT THE PRISONER OF WAR CAMP CABANATUAN, NUEVA PROVINCE, LUZON. ON DECEMBER 13, 1944 HE BOARDED THE JAPANESE ‘HELL SHIP’ ORYOKU MARU ALONG WITH HUNDREDS OF OTHER PRISONERS DESTINED FOR JAPAN. KILLED IN ACTION DECEMBER 15, 1944 WHEN U.S. NAVAL AIRCRAFT FROM THE USS HORNET ATTACKED AND SUNK THE ORYOKU MARU WHILE ANCHORED IN THE SUBIC BAY HARBOR. HE WAS REPORTED MISSING IN ACTION OR BURIED AT SEA AND IS MEMORIALIZED AT THE MANILA AMERICAN CEMETERY LOCATED AT FORT BONIFACIO, MANILA, PHILIPPINE ISLANDS. DECORATIONS AND MEDALS: SILVER STAR, BRONZE STAR AND THE PURPLE HEART. THE SILVER STAR WAS AWARDED TO THE MAJOR FOR DISTINGUISHED GALLANTRY IN ACTION AND VALOR IN THE FACE OF THE ENEMY. THE BRONZE STAR WAS AWARDED FOR BRAVERY, ACT OF MERIT AND MERITORIOUS SERVICE.