U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, Oldest Iowa Jima Survivor Has Died

The incomparable John Moon, singing the “National Anthem” at the Jan. 18 Western Illinois University Women’s Basketball game, which was also Military Appreciation Night. The 101-year-old (almost 102!) WWII Marine Corps Veteran and 1939 WIU alumnus is the oldest known living Iwo Jima survivor. We are so proud to have this amazing man as a member of our #WIU family.

Western Illinois University alumnus John Moon passed away in Macomb Oct. 29. The oldest known survivor of the Battle of Iwo Jima was 103 years old. A celebration of life for the 1939 WIU alumnus and Purple Heart recipient will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 7 at Wesley United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6 at Dodsworth-Piper-Wallen Funeral Home. 

After graduating from Macomb High School in 1934, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Western Illinois University (then called State Teachers College) in 1939. After the Pearl Harbor bombing on December 7, 1941, and inspired by his WIU Football Coach ‘Rock’ Hansen, on Dec. 29, 1943, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Upon completion of his training and boot camp at Camp Pendleton, CA, a part of the 5th Marine Division, he deployed to Iwo Jima. He landed on the beach on D-day (February 19, 1945) where he fought until he was wounded. He received the Purple Heart Award for his bravery and was discharged on September 25, 1945. From the Full article Celebration of Life WIU