Emile P. Moses

Emile Phillips Moses (May 27, 1880 – December 22, 1965) was a distinguished officer in the United States Marine Corps with the rank of major general. A veteran of forty years of service and several expeditionary campaigns, Moses is most noted for his service as commanding general, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island during World War II and for his efforts in the developing of Marine Corps Amphibious Warfare doctrine, especially Landing Vehicle Tracked.

Early career

Emile P. Moses was born on May 27, 1880, in Sumter, South Carolina, as the son of Jewish businessman Altamont Moses and Octavia Cohen. His father, Confederate Army veteran, had established the business as a cotton grower and also owned a life and fire insurance agency. Emile attended the Sumter Military Academy and subsequently enrolled the University of South Carolina, where he graduated with Bachelor of Arts degree in literary in June 1899.

Moses was then ordered to the Marine barracks at New York Navy Yard, where he remained until December of that year, when he embarked for Panama Canal Zone for guard duty following the elections of first Panamian President, Manuel Amador Guerrero. He remained in that capacity until December 1906, when he returned to the United States for duty at Marine Barracks at Boston Navy Yard and was promoted to first lieutenant on January 1, 1908.

Moses already proved his qualities during the periods of temporary regimental command and was promoted to colonel on March 20, 1934. He was then transferred to the Philippines and assumed command of the Marine Barracks and Naval Prison at Naval Base Cavite. Moses remained in that capacity until the end of August and embarked for the United States for deserved leave with his family. He reported for duty as commanding officer, Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C. at the beginning of October 1934 with additional duty as director, Marine Corps Institute.

Moses persuaded the owner of the factory and designer of Alligator, Donald Roebling, to design a stronger and more powerful version that would meet the needs of the Marine Corps. Following a period of tests and modifications, Moses recommended the Navy Department to buy Alligators and navy ordered one hundred Alligators in October 1940 and additional two hundred Alligators were ordered in February 1941. Alligators were subsequently renamed LVTs and began to form a specialized units to operate them.

On September 19, 1941, Moses was assigned to command the Marine Barracks, Parris Island, South Carolina. While in this capacity, Moses was promoted to major general on October 9, 1942. He hosted several important guests, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox or Commandant of the Marine Corps, Thomas Holcomb.

He retired from active duty on May 1, 1944, after 40 years of commissioned service. A large military review was held in honor of retiring general Moses. He was succeeded by another Marine veteran, Major General Clayton B. Vogel.

Retirement and death

Upon his retirement from the Marine Corps, Moses settled in La Jolla, California, where he died on December 22, 1965. He was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia. Moses was survived by his wife, Carolyn Angier (1891–1984), a son Emile P. Jr., who also served in the Marine Corps as lieutenant colonel and daughter Elizabeth "Betty" Angier, wife of Marine Brigadier General Charles L. Banks.

Military awards

Here is the ribbon bar of Major General Moses:

1st RowMarine Corps Expeditionary Medal with five " bronze starsNicaraguan Campaign MedalMexican Service MedalWorld War I Victory Medal2nd RowYangtze Service MedalAmerican Defense Service MedalAmerican Campaign MedalWorld War II Victory Medal