Harold Wesley Moore

Lt Col (ret) Harold Wesley Moore, 84, of Bossier City, died peacefully Sunday, May 2, 2010. He was born February 16, 1926 in Cincinnati, Ohio to the late Guy H. and Alta E. Moore. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, David W. Moore. After attending the University of Cincinnati Aeronautical Engineering School, he began his long and decorated career with the United States Air Force in 1948. He graduated from a helicopter flying school in 1950 and earned his Bachelor of Industrial Engineering degree (magna cum laude) from the University of Florida in 1956. He made headlines due to his daring rescues behind enemy lines in Korea. In February of 1951, he flew a helicopter 30 miles behind enemy lines to rescue two American airmen whose plane was downed. His rescue craft was struck several times by enemy small-arms fire during this rescue. Later in the same month, he effected the rescue of three more UN soldiers behind enemy lines. He was also selected to pilot the helicopter carrying United Nations negotiators to the cease-fire talks in Kaesong, Korea. He flew a total of 112 missions while serving in Korea. For his rescue work in Korea, the then Lieutenant Moore was awarded the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Air Medal. He was featured in the November 1, 1952 issue of The Saturday Evening Post documenting the first helicopters to fly across the Atlantic Ocean. He was one of two pilots chosen for this flight which lasted 42 hours and covered 3,410 miles. During the Vietnam War, he served as an advisor to the South Vietnamese in helicopter training and received The Bronze Star for meritorious service and bravery. He retired from the U. S. Air Force August 1, 1975. He was a member of the Order of Daedalions and the MOAA. Following his retirement, he continued his education in accounting where he taught several H & R Block courses. Aside from work, he enjoyed nothing more than being with family. His time was spent camping, vacationing, golfing, and laughing. He loved nothing more than working and building at their lake house on Cypress Lake. He has left an everlasting impression on his family and friends and will be loved and missed forever. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jacqulyn B. Moore; Two daughters, Kathryn M. Stevens of Bossier City, and Kristy M. Hargrave and husband Chad Hargrave of Rockwall, TX; Four grandchildren, Jonathan Michael Stevens, Delancy Anne Stevens, Caroline Lee Hargrave, and Catelyn Grace Hargrave; Eight nieces and nephews. PawPaw will be missed, but he will always be in our hearts. The family would like to thank Dr. Ted Warren and all treating physicians, as well as the caring staff at Willis-Knighton-Pierremont. Visitation is from 5 – 7 pm Thursday, May 6, 2010 at Hill Crest Funeral Home in Haughton. Services will be held on Friday, May 7 at 10 am at Hill Crest with interment following. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Parkinson’s disease Resource, Dept. of Neurology at LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport.

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Hill Crest Funeral Home

318-949-9415