Briefing Document: Arthur Lee Moseley

Subject: Life and Military Service of Arthur Lee Moseley

Date: October 26, 2023

1. Introduction:

This briefing summarizes the life and military service of Arthur Lee Moseley, born in 1917 in Rochelle, Texas, who served in the US Army during World War II and became known as a hero within the 11th Airborne Division, particularly for his actions on Leyte. He was killed in action on Luzon in 1945.

2. Early Life and Background:

Birth and Family: Arthur Lee Moseley was born on January 23, 1917, in Rochelle, McCulloch County, Texas. His parents were Martha 'Mattie' Jermima Scales and Arthur Combs Moseley.

Early Residence: The family resided in McCulloch County, Texas. The 1930 and 1940 census records show him living in JP7, Rochelle, McCulloch County, Texas with his family.

Education: He had four years of college education, as noted on his enlistment papers.

Pre-Military Employment: Before enlisting, Moseley was working as a bookkeeper at a cotton oil mill in Brady, Texas.

3. Military Service:

Enlistment: Arthur L. Moseley enlisted in the US Army as a private on July 11, 1941, at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. His service number was asn-38033347.

Initial Rank and Location: He entered the army from civilian life, and was noted as a single white male who resided in McCulloch County, Texas when he enlisted.

11th Airborne Division: Moseley ultimately served with the 11th Airborne Division, achieving the rank of Major with the service number O-1310750.

The "Mosley Milk Run" on Leyte:

During the fighting on Leyte in December 1944, heavy monsoon rains made it impossible for larger aircraft to resupply the 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment.

Major Moseley, "MAJ Art Mosley, the Hero of Leyte," flew a small Stinson L-5 Sentinel Piper Cub on dangerous daily "resupply missions" into the mountains despite enemy fire. These flights were called "The Mosley Milk Run."

He would fly over friendly units, ask what the paratroopers needed, then have his spotter push supplies out of the plane.

He transported ammunition and rations, saving lives and enabling the 511th to continue fighting.

According to LT Ralph Ermatinger of the 511th, "(Art) Moseley became an instant hero to the troops. His name was known to every man."

He was also known as "Phone Glider 3".

Luzon and Death:

On February 16, 1945, during the fighting to retake Nielson Field outside Manila, Luzon, Moseley called in airstrikes on enemy defenses.

He was killed by an artillery burst. He was 28 years old.

According to CPL Reginald Lynn of the 511th's Signals, "The Angels' savior on Leyte was dead."

GEN Albert Pierson, the division commander's Chief of Staff, was deeply saddened by Moseley's death. He is quoted as saying, "He was my best friend."

The text states, "Mosley's death was a blow to the entire division and his loss was felt by all."

Moseley was killed in action helping to take Fort McKinley from Japanese forces.

4. Posthumous Recognition:

Awards: Moseley received the Silver Star and Purple Hearts.

Temporary Burial: Moseley was initially buried in a temporary grave on Luzon.

Repatriation and Reburial: In 1948, his remains were repatriated to the United States and reinterred in the Rochelle Cemetery in Rochelle, Texas, on October 31, 1948.

5. Key Themes and Ideas:

Courage and Selflessness: Moseley's actions on Leyte exemplify extraordinary courage and selflessness in the face of danger.

Ingenuity and Resourcefulness: His use of a small plane for resupply in challenging conditions demonstrates ingenuity and resourcefulness.

Impact of Individual Action: Moseley's actions directly impacted the lives of the paratroopers and allowed them to continue fighting.

Heroism and Sacrifice: Despite his relatively short military career and life, Moseley's bravery made him a hero in his division, and his ultimate sacrifice is noted in the text.

Impact on his fellow soldiers: Moseley's loss deeply impacted his unit, with Pierson expressing the loss of a friend, and Lynn noting that "The Angels' savior on Leyte was dead."

The brutal nature of war: The battle to secure Fort McKinley shows the brutal intensity of the fighting. The text notes the use of air strikes, napalm, and heavy artillery and that the battle for Mabato Point was particularly hard fought.

6. Conclusion:

Major Arthur Lee Moseley was a highly regarded and exceptionally brave soldier who left a significant mark on his division and those he served with. His actions on Leyte are a clear example of the kind of heroism found in the face of adversity. His service and sacrifice are remembered through his awards and reburial in his home town.