William “Willie” Moore was born in Junction City, Kansas on 8 February 1921. At the time of his entry into the service, he was living in Los Angeles, California.

Willie attended Compton Junior College before joining the service.

Willie enlisted in the US Navy intending to become a pilot. He passed his elimination training and attended flight school at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi. Willie earned his wings as a fighter pilot, and his commission as a Marine Corps second lieutenant, on 2 July 1942.

Moore received additional training, including carrier qualification, in San Diego before deploying overseas as a member of VMF-222. In September 1943, the “Flying Deuces” operated out of Munda Airfield, New Georia.

Captain Moore was assigned duty as a division leader with VMF-222 during the New Georgia campaign.

On 13 September 1943, Captain Moore’s division was flying the early morning “Moonbeam” patrol. A Japanese striking force, including fighters and bombers, was contacted over Vella Lavella. Eight Marine Corsairs managed to divert the strike from the vulnerable beaches at Barakoma, and claimed three Japanese fighters shot down. One Marine plane was damaged beyond repair, and Captain Willie Moore did not return from the mission.

Moore was reported as missing in action, and no trace of him nor his plane (F4U-1 BuNo 17435) was ever seen again. He was declared dead on 10 January 1946.

News of the incident was sent to his mother, Hattie Moore, who was living at 1355 East 71st Street, Los Angeles, CA.

CENOTAPHS
Manila American Cemetery and Memorial