HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2016-4655, by Representatives Buys and Van Werven

WHEREAS, It is the policy of the Washington State House of Representatives to honor the success and sacrifices of our veterans; and

WHEREAS, Captain Joe Moser brought honor and recognition to his family, his city, and his entire community through his courage, endurance, strength, and remarkable humility; and

WHEREAS, These actions were revealed in the 2006 book "A Fighter Pilot in Buchenwald: The Joe Moser Story" and the documentary based in part on his life: "Lost Airmen of Buchenwald"; and

WHEREAS, Captain Moser returned to his home in Ferndale, Washington, raising five children and living the quiet and humble life of a furnace repairman; and

WHEREAS, For over forty years, Captain Moser never spoke of his sacrifices to protect the freedoms we enjoy today; and

WHEREAS, Captain Moser completed 43 combat missions as an Army Air Corps fighter pilot, and was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross for successful ground attacks; and

WHEREAS, Captain Moser, then Lieutenant Moser, was shot down by enemy fire on his 44th mission, captured by the German Army, and designated a "terrorflieger" by the Schutzstaffel; and

WHEREAS, Lieutenant Moser was transferred to Buchenwald Concentration Camp along with 167 other Allied airmen; and

WHEREAS, Lieutenant Moser endured two months of starvation and inhumane treatment at the hands of the Schutzstaffel; and

WHEREAS, Lieutenant Moser was rescued by Luftwaffe officers four days before he and other Allied airmen were scheduled for execution; and

WHEREAS, Lieutenant Moser endured a 65 mile "death march" from Stalag Luft 3 POW camp in sub-zero blizzard conditions; and

WHEREAS, Captain Joe Moser passed away December 2, 2015, at his Ferndale home after battling cancer;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives extend its condolences to the family, friends, and fellow veterans of Captain Joe Moser, wish the entire military well, and express its hope that all military members will return home safely to their families, friends, and communities, like Joe.

 

I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

Resolution 4655 adopted by the House of Representatives

February 9, 2016

 

 

 

 

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Barbara Baker, Chief Clerk