Fred Kenneth Moore

Fred Kenneth Moore, born 17 December 1921, at Campbell, Texas, enlisted in the United States Navy 31 July 1940.

Awarded the Navy Cross
Onboard USS Arizona (BB-39) at Pearl Harbor, 7 December 1941, Seaman Moore remained at his station on antiaircraft gun No. 1 in spite of orders to take cover when the Japanese strafing became severe. With two other members of the gun crew, he assisted in keeping the gun in operation until he was killed by an explosion.

Seaman 1st Class Moore was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross “for distinguished service, extraordinary courage and devotion to duty, and disregard for his own safety.”

Namesake
USS Moore (DE-240) was named in his honor. The ship was laid down 20 July 1942 at the Brown Shipbuilding Co., Houston, Texas; launched 20 December 1942; sponsored by Mrs. Fred Moore, mother of Seaman Fred K. Moore; and commissioned 1 July 1943, Lt. Comdr. H. P. Michiels in command.