George Toriello researched this information on Harold E. Moosmann on
January 6, 2018. It is interesting to note that Harold E. Moosmann is on the
1946 Dedication Page because he attended Hackensack High School, but is not on the Plaque at Hackensack’s City Hall. This is probably because Harold E. Moosmann lived in Rochelle Park, not in Hackensack at time of death. Harold E. Moosmann was listed on the Original Wall Unit List during World War II.
Harold E. Moosmann was born in Syracuse New York in 1918 and according to the
1930 Federal Census he was living at 194 West Passaic Street Rochelle Park New Jersey. His parents were Emil and Hedwig Moosmann and they were born in Switzerland and owned a dairy farm in New Jersey in 1930. Harold E. Moosmann served in the
United States Army rising to the rank of 1st Lieutenant with the 850th Signal Battalion. Harold E. Moosmann died while in service on August 21, 1943 and is buried in
North Africa American cemetery in Tunisia.
Source: World War II and Korean Conflict Veterans Interred Overseas
Harold E. Moosmann received the “SOLDIERS MEDAL”, which was established by Act of Congress on July 2, 1926, is awarded to a member of the Armed Forces of the United States or of a friendly foreign nation who, while serving with the
United States Army, has distinguished himself or herself by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy. Reserve Component soldiers not serving in a duty status at the time are eligible. The heroic act must involve personal hazard or danger, and the voluntary assumption of risks to life above and beyond the call of duty. Saving a life in the absence of risk is not sufficient justification for this award.
Source: Wikipedia/Act of Congress
I have no idea at the present time how Harold E. Moosmann died or why he received the Soldiers Medal, but let us never forget his unselfish sacrifice.
Written by:
Bob Meli
July 9, 2018
