On April 10, 1944, Technical Sgt. (Tech Sgt.) Hugh F. Moore and 11 of his fellow crewmen were shot down in their B-24 Liberator Bomber by Japanese Anti-aircraft fire over the jungles of Papua New Guinea. While the remains of three of the crewmen were found shortly after the war, the others were declared unrecoverable due to the dense foliage of the jungle. However, in 2001 the wreckage of Moore's aircraft was located, leading to a full excavation and recovery of remains.
More than 70 years later, the remains of Tech Sgt. Hugh F. Moore were identified using DNA testing and returned home to his surviving family to be buried in his native town of Elkton, Maryland. The memorial service was held --fittingly- on Veterans Day at a funeral home before military and civilian pallbearers carried Moore's flag-draped casket to the hearse and finally to the grave site.
"Although he was reported missing in action 70 years ago, he was never missing to God," said Chaplain (Col.) Mark Penfold, Army chaplain from Aberdeen Proving Ground. Chaplain Penfold conducted the internment, helping to bring seven decades of uncertainty to a peaceful close with the words, "These remains we finally commit to their right and final resting place."
We recently caught up with Chaplain Penfold to discuss his experience at the memorial service.
Q: Tell us about the funeral service.
A: This is the second time in my chaplain career that I have had the privilege to officiate the grave side service for WWII MIA or KIA whose remains were found decades later. My step-grandfather served in the Army in the New Guinea and Philippine campaign during WWII and my father-in-law served in the Coast Guard during four invasions in the European Theater, so I have a special place in my heart for the influence and service of those who served during that time.
Seeing the relief and sense of appreciation on the faces of the extended family members of Tech Sgt Moore, to include a nephew and niece who remembered when they last saw him before he shipped out, was pretty emotional, especially since it was also Veterans Day.
Q: Did you get a chance to speak with the family?
A: The family mentioned that they had always wanted him to have a Christian burial. While there were ceremonies in the past, bringing home the remains of their uncle and placing him next to his parents was very emotional. There were tears that were long buried as they had given up hope years ago that his remains would be found and returned.
Q: What are some lessons learned from this event?
A: Our Army and nation's commitment to "never leave a fallen comrade." I was surprised by the presence of so many veterans at the funeral and grave side service from wars since WWII to today that showed up to render honors. It was truly an example that the brotherhood of military service transcends generations.
Q: How does this particular event speak to the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps and Honoring the Fallen?
A: It is always an honor to be allowed into these hallowed moments of those families who have lost loved ones. It's a sacred privilege to be a part and to express our thankfulness and care in their times of grief. In preparation for the ceremony, I received a copy of the letter that TSgt Moore's unit chaplain had sent to his mother when he was declared MIA. The timelessness of certain aspects of our chaplain ministry never change as we care for the wounded or injured, to include family members, while we honor the fallen.
Letter from Chaplain (Capt) Harry McKnight to Mrs. Emmia L. Moore
Dated May 20, 1944
Dear Mrs. Moore:
A few weeks ago your son failed to return from operations against the enemy and has been officially listed by the War Department as mission in action. We share your sorrow with you, for it is an undoubted fact that the buddies who knew him miss him as you do. It is impossible to go through the rigors of war with a fellow soldier without feeling a kinship which is one of life's best examples of comradeship. So the men in the 90th Bombardment Group would want you to know that they are saddened by the absence of their friend, your son.
It may be that in the Providence of God your son is still alive and either a prisoner of war or living with friendly natives. It is true that the crew of planes missing in action have sometimes been heard from subsequently. We have no information to this effect, but surely we may hope and pray that such is the case. However, we must always feel that the best thing in life is for God's will to be done, and as you place the matter in His hands I am sure you will be rewarded with a courage, an understanding and a strength which He alone can give.
There may be many questions you would like to ask, but I am sure that in due time all of these will be answered. The Squadron Commander has written you giving you what knowledge he has of the circumstances surrounding the loss of the plane in which your son was flying. If any further news is heard which would be comforting, it will be relayed on to you immediately. However, if there is anything I can do to relieve your anxiety, you may rest assured that I will be only too happy to oblige.
May the Lord bless you and keep you, may He lift up His countenance upon you and be gracious unto you, may He make His face to shine upon you, and give you His peace. With sincere sympathy, I am
Respectfully yours,
Harry A. McKnight,
Chaplain (Capt) USA,
Group Chaplain.
Q: Can you tell us how Tech Sgt Hugh Moore was found?
A: The dedication of the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command is to be commended. Going back to 1946, until more recent archaeological research from 2009-2011 discovered sections of the B-24D Liberator of which he was a crew member, these professionals continued to search in remote areas to find the remains of American servicemen. After the remains were found, forensic studies were conducted in Hawaii.
Q: How many people attended the service?
A: My guess is about 120 persons were at the funeral and then the grave site.
Q: Any final thoughts or additional comments?
A: The circumstances were really providential that his remains were returned so that burial could be on Veterans' Day. The number of veterans in attendance again reminded me of the unique relationship and bond that exists among all who have had the privilege to wear the nation's uniforms, regardless of era or branch of service.
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