James "Moe" Henry Alley Jr. is notable for his exceptional service and valor during World War II as a member of Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, Company E, of the 101st Airborne Division. His bravery was showcased in significant battles and operations, including the Normandy Invasion, Operation Market Garden, and the Battle of the Bulge. As one of the original 140 Toccoa men of Easy Company, his wartime experiences were later immortalized in the HBO miniseries "Band of Brothers," where George Calil portrayed him. Throughout his military career, Moe earned three Purple Hearts and four Bronze Stars, reflecting his extraordinary commitment and sacrifice in the defense of his country. Beyond his military service, Moe's life was marked by resilience and adaptability, transitioning from a carpenter in housing construction to a successful general contractor in Washington state. His legacy of courage, dedication, and service continues to inspire and resonate with countless individuals.[1]
James "Moe" Henry Alley Jr. was born on July 20, 1922, in Mount Ida, Montgomery County, Arkansas, to James Henry Alley Sr. and Grace Victoria (Davis) Alley.[2] He spent his early years in Mount Ida, where he lived both in 1930[3] and 1940.[4]
In 1942, with the world engulfed in World War II, Moe answered the call to serve his country. He enlisted in the United States Army on September 22, joining the ranks as a private.[5] Assigned to Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, Company E, of the renowned 101st Airborne Division, he found himself at the forefront of some of the war's most pivotal moments. Moe participated in the daring airborne jumps of the Normandy Invasion and Operation Market Garden. His valor and dedication were further tested during the brutal Battle of the Bulge, where he was among the select few to reach Hitler's retreat. Notably, he was one of the 140 original Toccoa men of Easy Company, a distinction that later saw him portrayed by George Calil in the acclaimed HBO miniseries "Band of Brothers."[1][6][7]
Moe's bravery did not go unnoticed. For his exemplary service across Normandy, Central Europe, Rhineland, and Ardennes, he was awarded three Purple Hearts and four Bronze Stars. By the time he completed his service, rising to the rank of staff sergeant, Moe had left an indelible mark on the annals of military history.[1][6] He was honorably discharged on September 19, 1945.[8]
Following his military service, Moe relocated to California with his family. On April 20, 1948, he exchanged vows with Dawna Mae Morhous in King County, Washington.[9] By 1950, the couple had settled in Los Angeles, where Moe pursued a career as a carpenter in housing construction. A year later, in 1951, they moved to Washington state, where Moe transitioned into a general contractor, overseeing the construction of both residential homes and commercial buildings.[10]
He and his first wife divorced, Moe found love again. On June 14, 1975, he married Elizabeth Jane Young, formerly known as Riley, in King County, Washington.[11]
James "Moe" Henry Alley Jr. died on March 14, 2008, in Sedro-Wooley, Skagit County, Washington.[12][13] He was laid to rest at Union Cemetery in Sedro-Woolley, leaving behind a legacy of courage, dedication, and service that continues to inspire generations.[14]
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Categories: Band of Brothers | Arkansas, Notables | 1930 US Census, Montgomery County, Arkansas | 1940 US Census, Montgomery County, Arkansas | Mount Ida, Arkansas | Montgomery County, Arkansas | Battle of the Bulge | Operation Market Garden | Battle of Normandy, D-Day | Bronze Star Medal | Purple Heart | 101st Airborne Division, United States Army, World War II | 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, United States Army, World War II | Building Contractors | Carpenters | 1950 US Census, Los Angeles County, California | Los Angeles, California | Los Angeles County, California | Sedro-Woolley, Washington | Skagit County, Washington | Union Cemetery, Sedro-Woolley, Washington | United States Military, Notables | Notables | United States Army, World War II | Wounded in Action, United States of America, World War II