World War II veteran and military historian Robert "Bob" Moss was recently inducted into Linton's Hall of Fame.

Moss will be recognized by being escorted in a Humvee by a member of the Indiana National Guard in the Freedom Festival Parade on July 4.

Being honored in such a way will be especially meaningful to Moss who fought in World War II, was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge and has spent years helping more than 500 veterans receive military medals and decorations.

Moss has also been active in civic affairs and has served as a Linton councilman and as Stockton Township trustee.

Helping veterans began when Moss made a routine request for his personal medals in 1967.

"I figured out what they (the government) wanted and worked out a system," explained Moss.

Moss went on to explain that many people didn't know that a 1973 fire in St. Louis destroyed military records from WW II, Korea and Vietnam making it very difficult to find proper channels for which to apply for medals earned during those wars.

Despite that, Moss continued to find ways to help veterans. He said the county had records of discharges, which helped him in the process. However, Moss added that a person had to understand the language on the military discharge in order to provide the necessary information.

"If you sent in a request, you had to furnish proof of service record such as your discharge," Moss said. "I would get a copy of the discharge and make a formal request for the person's medals and decorations. It took six to nine months, but I was usually successful."

Many times Moss would also help widows or families of fallen soldiers receive medals earned by loved ones.

Eight to 10 years ago, Moss said it became much more difficult to apply for medals and decorations, so now he refers veterans to Norman Sullivan, the Veteran Affairs Officer at Bloomfield.

Moss is a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Military Order of The Purple Heart. For 45 years, he served on the funeral detail for Linton's American Legion Post 22.

While talking with Moss in his "war room" filled with military collections and memorabilia, Moss shared some of his military experiences with the Greene County Daily World.

Since he entered first grade late due to a broken leg, Moss was between his junior and senior year at Linton-Stockton High School when he was called for the military draft in June of 1944.

During the 15th week of a 17-week basic training at Camp Fannin, Texas, his infantry division was sent to Europe due to the strategic Battle of the Bulge.

Moss was the youngest man in Co. G, 117th Infantry, 30th Infantry Division when they joined Allied troops in Germany in February 1945 while the Battle of the Bulge was still in progress.

During one of the fierce battles, Moss was trapped in a foxhole for 48 hours and was wounded. However, because the Allies were cut off, it wasn't possible to evacuate him.

"I went on with the troops, but I don't remember much of it," Moss said. "(Among other wounds) I must have had a concussion."

At the end of the European Campaign, Moss' division left Germany in July 1945 and was sent to Fort Jackson to prepare for the second invasion of Japan scheduled for March 1946.

Moss explained that troops already in the South Pacific would go into Japan in the first invasion scheduled for November 1945. Of course, the dropping of the atomic bomb changed that course of history.

Hanging in a place of honor in Moss' war room includes a display of his medals and decorations that includes the Bronze Star; Purple Heart; European Theater Medal, with two battle stars; WW II Victory Medal; Army of Occupation with German Clasp; Combat Infantry Badge; Army Good Conduct Medal; American Campaign Medal and Honorable Discharge Button.

Moss also has a large collection of German medals and military memorabilia.

When Moss was discharged from the military service, he came back to Linton and returned to school to earn his high school diploma. He has lived in Linton his entire life and retired from Pfizer Company after a career of 38 years.

To be inducted into the Linton Hall of Fame, the honoree is chosen by a six-member committee who makes the recommendation to the Freedom Festival Task Force.

The chosen honoree must stand out among his/her peers in his/her profession and have made contributions to society more than just being a good citizen, amassing money, gaining property or making a good living.   Jo Chiparo, Greene County Daily World - Linton,In,USA