World War II Honoree

John Klinge Moriarty

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Birmingham, Alabama

Honored By

Pearl Thomas

He entered the U.S. Army Air Forces and graduated as a 2nd lieutenant in May 1942. He became a squadron commander of a Troop Carrier aviation while still a first lieutenant at the age of 23 and served at numerous bases in the United States. He then became commander of a Combat Cargo Squadron in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations, where among other duties he flew the 'Hump' into China. His squadron tactically supported the British 14th Army in Burma. Because of his squadron's exceptional contribution to the British reconquest of Burma, he was given a special award of the British Distinguished Flying Cross. He also received two U.S. Distinguished Flying Crosses and four Air Medals.