Medal of Honor: Edward J. Moskala – World War II – April 9, 1945

Name: Edward J. Moskala
Rank: Private First Class
Branch: U.S. Army
War: World War II
Unit: Company C, 383d Infantry Regiment, 96th Infantry Division
Date of Action: April 9, 1945
Location: Kakazu Ridge, Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands

Summary of Action

On 9 April 1945, Private First Class Edward J. Moskala distinguished himself during the bitter fighting for Kakazu Ridge on Okinawa.

As the lead element of his unit advanced, grenade explosions and concentrated machine-gun and mortar fire suddenly halted the attack.

With complete disregard for his own safety, Moskala charged forty yards through withering grazing fire.

Armed with grenades and an automatic rifle, he destroyed two enemy machine-gun nests and reopened the fight.

Despite his actions, fierce enemy resistance and repeated counterattacks forced the company to withdraw.

Moskala voluntarily remained behind with eight others to cover the movement.

From an exposed and critically dangerous position, he fought for three hours, killing more than twenty-five Japanese soldiers before finally withdrawing through smoke with the surviving members of the rear guard.

Reaching a gorge below the ridge, the group discovered one wounded man had been left behind.

Without hesitation, Moskala climbed back up the bullet-swept slope to help rescue him.

After returning to lower ground, he again volunteered to remain behind and protect other wounded soldiers while the main body moved into stronger defensive positions.

He had already saved another casualty and killed four enemy infiltrators when he was struck and mortally wounded while attempting to aid yet another disabled comrade.

His gallant initiative, relentless courage, and total devotion to mission and comradeship reflected the highest traditions of the United States Army.

Medal of Honor Citation

MOSKALA, EDWARD J.

He was the leading element when grenade explosions and concentrated machinegun and mortar fire halted the unit’s attack on Kakazu Ridge, Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands. With utter disregard for his personal safety, he charged 40 yards through withering, grazing fire and wiped out 2 machinegun nests with well-aimed grenades and deadly accurate fire from his automatic rifle. When strong counterattacks and fierce enemy resistance from other positions forced his company to withdraw, he voluntarily remained behind with 8 others to cover the maneuver. Fighting from a critically dangerous position for 3 hours, he killed more than 25 Japanese before following his surviving companions through screening smoke down the face of the ridge to a gorge where it was discovered that one of the group had been left behind, wounded. Unhesitatingly, Pvt. Moskala climbed the bullet-swept slope to assist in the rescue, and, returning to lower ground, volunteered to protect other wounded while the bulk of the troops quickly took up more favorable positions. He had saved another casualty and killed 4 enemy infiltrators when he was struck and mortally wounded himself while aiding still another disabled soldier. With gallant initiative, unfaltering courage, and heroic determination to destroy the enemy, Pvt. Moskala gave his life in his complete devotion to his company’s mission and his comrades’ well-being. His intrepid conduct provided a lasting inspiration for those with whom he served.