Robert Alfred Moon
Sergeant Robert A. Moon served with Love Company, Third Battalion, 2nd Marines.
He was reported missing in action at Betio, Tarawa atoll, on 20 November 1943.
Branch
Marine Corps Regular
Service Number 325295
Current Status
ACCOUNTED FOR
2022-2023
Pursuit Category
Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency
Official press release TBA
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
October 11, 1922
at Wenatchee, WA
Parents
Alfred Moon (d. 1929)
Minnie (Peppmoeller) Moon
Education
Wenatchee High School (1941)
Occupation & Employer
Truck Driver
Service Life
Entered Service
December 11, 1941
at Seattle, WA
Home Of Record
Walnut Avenue
Wenatchee, WA
Next Of Kin
Mother, Mrs. Minnie Moon
Military Specialty
60mm Mortar
Primary Unit
L/3/2nd Marines
Campaigns Served
Solomon Isalnds
Tarawa
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart
Additional Service Details
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Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
Sergeant Robert Moon served with Love Company, 2nd Marines during the Solomon Islands campaign and the battle of Tarawa. As a highly-qualified 60mm mortar gunner, he was probably in charge of a squad in the company weapons platoon.
On 20 November 1943, Sergeant Moon’s battalion was assigned the task of spearheading the assault on Betio’s Beach Red One – a curved stretch of sand running several hundred yards from the “bird’s beak” in the west to Red Two in the east. The natural shape of the beach created a crossfire for the defenders, and the area became known as “the Pocket.” Slow-moving landing craft were quickly targeted from multiple angles, and many were knocked out as they approached the shore. Hundreds of men were killed or wounded before stepping foot on dry land. Those who survived faced a network of obstacles manned by determined Japanese defenders, and the fighting was close-in and savage.
Love Company, designated as the battalion reserve and embarked in boats instead of tractors, faced an especially horrific ordeal. “LCVs grounded on the reef about 500 yards from the beach and [the men] disembarked into the water,” states the battalion report. “They were heavily hit both by machine gun and large caliber fire while in the water. Most of the fire came from the left, so as a consequence, the company landed on the right half of Beach Red 1. The casualties to this company at this time amounted to about 35%.”
Sergeant Moon was one who fell, with a serious bullet wound in his left side. He was helped to the beach, received preliminary medical treatment, and marked for evacuation. This was the last time anyone would see him alive.
Burial Information or Disposition
Moon was presumed to have been evacuated from Betio to a transport ship, and then to a rear-area hospital. This information was recorded on his military paperwork, and his mother was notified by telegram the following month.
Minnie Moon wrote to her son several times, but received no reply – this worried her, as Robert was normally a quick correspondent. Failing to hear from him, she began sending letters to the Marine Corps for more information. Her entreaties led to an investigation into Robert’s whereabouts – and only then was it discovered that he was not on the rolls of any medical facility. In fact, nobody could confirm whether he had ever escaped Betio at all. Robert Moon was designated as missing in action; on 21 November 1944, in accordance with official policy, he was declared dead.
According to the 2023 DPAA Year In Review, Sergeant Moon was accounted for in Fiscal Year 2023. This article will be updated.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of mother, Mrs. Minnie Moon.
Location Of Loss
Sergeant Moon’s battalion was engaged in the vicinity of Beach Red One.
