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 After the company had withdrawn, the 9-man covering force used smoke grenades to cover their own escape.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. 

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

EDWARD J MOSKALA

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