James B. Moss, Jr. World War II Diary

Item

Identifier: MS-0452

Staff Only

Moss's first diary entry begins on page 13 and is dated September 13, 1943 --- the day his unit departed for overseas duty --- and the last is D-Day, June 6, 1944. During the bulk of this period his unit was in Italy at Anzio Beachhead and vicinity. Moss describes action at Anzio, German air attacks, unit casualities, and other events relating to the military campaign.

This book "My Life in the Service" was issued to members of the armed forces.It contains space to enter important names, events, and other personal information.

Dates

1943 - 1944

Creator

Moss, James B., Jr., 1924-1998 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions

Conditions Governing Use

There are no restrictions

Extent

1 items

Additional Description

Biographical / Historical

James B. Moss, Jr. (1924-1998) of Richmond, Virginia entered the VMI in September 1942 as a member of the Class of 1946. Along with many other members of his Class, he soon enlisted in the Army and began active duty in March 1943. Moss started his 26 months of overseas duty in September, 1943, serving with the 15th Field Artillery Observation Battalion and attaining the rank of Sergeant. He participated in a number of critical battles, including Anzio Beachhead, Mt. Camino, and Monte Cassino; his unit saw 554 days of continuous combat operations.

Following the war Moss returned to VMI to finish his education and was awarded a B. S. in Electrical Engineering in June 1950. He was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the U. S. Army Reserves and returned to active duty during the Korean War. In civilian life, Moss pursued his career as an electrical engineer, serving with Western Electric Co. in missile systems development. Mr. Moss died in 1998, survived by his wife and two children.