World War II Honoree

Moses Joseph Gatewood, Jr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Columbus, Georgia

Honored By

Robert M. Gatewood

Relationship

Nephew

U.S. MILITARY ACADEMY GRADUATE, CLASS OF JANUARY 1943. ASSIGNED TO 9TH AIR FORCE, 397TH BOMB GROUP, 597TH SQUADRON AS AIRCRAFT COMMANDER OF A B-26 MARTIN MARAUDER MEDIUM BOMBER NAMED 'HOLY MOSES.' WHILE FLYING ANOTHER AIRCRAFT, THE 'MAMA LIZ,' HE WAS SHOT DOWN ON JUNE 24, 1944 OVER WEST SUBURBS OF PARIS SUPPORTING OPERATION OVERLORD. ESCAPED TO SPAIN VIA FRENCH UNDERGROUND AND RETURNED TO BASE IN ENGLAND WITH A NEW CODE SYSTEM FORWARDED BY FRENCH OPERATIVES FOR COMMUNICATING WITH THE FRENCH RESISTANCE. LATER RECOMMENDED FOR A SILVER STAR FOR THIS 2 MONTH EXTENDED MISSION. COINCIDENTALLY, AWARD WAS AUTHORIZED ON JUNE 6, 1946, THE SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF THE NORMANDY D DAY.