🇺🇲 WWII uncovered: Memorial Day 2023: Honoring the Heroes We Lost: Major Art Moseley, Headquarters Company, 11th Airborne Division:
🇺🇲 WWII uncovered: Memorial Day 2023: Honoring the Heroes We Lost: Major Art Moseley, Headquarters Company, 11th Airborne Division:
While the 11th Airborne was fighting on Leyte in December of 1944, monsoon rains prevented larger aircraft from resupplying the starving Paratroopers of the 511th PIR in the mountains.
Despite the dangers to himself, pilot Major Arthur "Art" Lee Moseley of Rochelle, Texas, loaded his Stinson L-5 Sentinel Piper Cub with ammunition and rations and headed into the cloud-covered mountains.
Using only basic instruments, Moseley flew several "resupply missions" a day on what became known as The Moseley Milk Run while the enemy fired at him from below.
When Art, or “Phone Glider 3”, flew over friendly units, he would ask what the Paratroopers needed, then his spotter in the backseat would push supplies out of the plane.
It was a life-saving campaign that kept the 511th fighting, and alive. As F-511's Lieutenant Ralph Ermatinger noted, "(Art) Moseley became an instant hero to the troops. His name was known to every man."
Later, when the 11th Airborne was fighting to retake Nielson Field outside Manila on February 16, 1945, Major Moseley hiked to a nearby hill to call in effective airstrikes on enemy defenses from P-38s overhead.
Suddenly, a surprise artillery burst landed on Moseley's position.
Corporal Reginald Lynn of the 511th Signals Company rushed down the hill to find Art on his back.
The Angels’ savior on Leyte was gone. He was 28.
"Where’s Moseley?" a gruff voice barked. Shaken, Corporal Lynn replied that Arthur was dead, then realized that he was speaking to General Albert Pierson, the division commander's Chief of Staff.
"He was my best friend," a pained Pierson whispered quietly.
Moseley's passing was a blow to the entire division and his loss was felt by all.
Arthur was awarded the Silver Star, Air Medal and Purple Heart. He is buried in Rochelle, Texas.
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