Atlanta’s Beloved Centenarian Veteran Reflects on Army Life
ATLANTA — Just days after celebrating his remarkable 101st birthday, Charles Moore took some time to sit down and share incredible stories from his life in the Army during World War II. With a twinkle in his eye, Moore fondly reminisces about those days, making it clear that his experiences have left a lasting mark on him.
A Call to Duty
Looking back at a snapshot of himself in his Army uniform, Moore chuckled, “When I look at it, I think about the time I spent in the military.” It’s more than just a picture; it’s a time capsule filled with memories from back in 1943 when he was drafted into the U.S. Army. “That finger was pointing at me saying, ‘we want you, we want you,’” he said, sharing a laugh about the iconic Uncle Sam poster. “So, they eventually got me!”
Basic Training and Beyond
After being drafted, Moore embarked on a journey that began with basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He would then travel along various military bases on the East Coast. Little did he know, this was just the start of his grand adventure. “I didn’t know it, but I was bound to get on a ship to go overseas,” he recounted, still allured by the thrill of it all.
That ship ride turned out to be a long one—lasting a whopping 30 days as they sailed down the East Coast, through the Panama Canal, and into Australia, eventually arriving at New Guinea. Moore was part of a dedicated team tasked with building airstrips—essential for transporting supplies to support the war effort. “We went through New Guinea building airstrips so the planes could bring in supplies,” Moore explained, a sense of pride shining through.
Island-Hopping Adventure
“My duty was to island-hop and help build airstrips,” he smiled, recalling the days of hard work. Humorously, he added, “I didn’t mind the infantry going ahead of us.” It was teamwork at its finest, as they all worked together on this critical mission during one of the world’s most significant wartime efforts.
The Changing Tide of War
Moore’s journey took a twist as he found himself back on another ship, this time headed toward Tokyo. Just as they were nearing their destination, a major turning point happened. “While on the water, the United States dropped two atomic bombs on Japan,” he said, the weight of history evident in his tone. “That ended the war, so we turned around, literally, from heading to Tokyo to head back to the United States.”
An Honorable Discharge and New Beginnings
After serving for three years, Moore received his honorable discharge in 1946, marking the end of one profound chapter in his life and the beginning of another. He soon relocated to Atlanta, where he undoubtedly made a significant impact. With a heart dedicated to education, Moore attended Morris Brown College, contributing to the institution as its chief financial officer and even stepping in as interim president.
Now, at the ripe age of 101, Moore continues to relish the adventures of a life well-lived. “And I’m looking for 102!” he exclaimed with a gleeful spirit that reflects his enduring zest for life.
Looking Forward
As we approach Veteran’s Day, Charles Moore embodies the essence of dedication and service, reminding us all of the sacrifices made throughout history. His remarkable journey serves as a profound reminder of the past, and his cheerful heart speaks volumes about the future.
