Additional information:

https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/okinawa-invasion-kakzu-ridge

https://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/citations22.html

April 9, 1945, 23-year-old U.S. Army Pfc. Edward Moskala advanced up Kakazu Ridge in the pre-dawn hours during the Battle of Okinawa. Japanese forces were entrenched on the ridge, knowing it was vital to American victory. 

Pfc. Moskala belonged to the 96th Infantry Division, known as the “Deadeyes”. With extraordinary precision, Moskala wiped out two enemy machine gun nests and volunteered to stay behind with eight other men, covering the company’s retreat. In the ensuing three-hour firefight, Moskala killed 25 enemy soldiers. After the company had withdrawn, the 9-man covering force used smoke grenades to cover their own escape. 

Back safely at the bottom of the ridge, Moskala heard a wounded comrade had been left behind and charged back up to assist in the rescue. He continued providing cover for the wounded and was killed while aiding another wounded Soldier. Pfc. Moskala was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on February 26th, 1946. 

This is the entrance to the Torii Training Center in Okinawa. The memorial plaque is to the left of the doorway.

This is the US Army Torii Training Center in Okinawa dedicated to Edward J. Moskala. 

This is the memorial plaque placed on the US Army Torii Training center named in his honor. 

Uncle Ed with his fiancé (name unknown). 

This is a photo of my mother, Helen and her brother, Army PFC Edward J. Moskala.

Moskala's sister and brother at his headstone. Quad City Times May 31, 1988.

Newspaper photo showing Moskala sister and brother placing a wreath on his headstone

news article reporting Moskala being awarded the Medal of Honor

Newspaper article announcing Moskala earning the Medal of Honor posthumously 

Black and white portrait of Moskala in his Army uniform

Rock Island National Cemetery

PFC Edward J Moskala was my uncle, brother to my mother, Helen. He was killed in action six years before my birth, so I never knew him except for stories told by my mom and his other siblings. They described him as a wonderful kid brother, and a loyal defender of his friends and family. When he was 17, my grandmother was committed to a mental institution for schizophrenia, although they didn't have a name for it back then. It is unknown if he was drafted or enlisted in the US Army, but the attack on Pearl Harbor could have been a catalyst; whatever the reason, it helped him escape the difficulties at home. His actions on the battlefield say more about Uncle Ed, and help to describe his character. His unwavering devotion to his comrades and his valor in the face of unspeakable horror, earned him the Medal of Honor. He is survived by seven nieces and nephews, and we are all proud and in awe of his courage.

EDWARD J MOSKALA

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41.51195893, -90.5251003

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