MEDIA CONTACT:
STEVEN ENGELHARDT (314) 504-4029
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MONDAY 2.14.11

Clay Honors Pearl Harbor Survivor with Eight Medals for Courageous Service
John Travis Moton, U.S. Navy (retired) Receives Recognition After Almost 70 Years

Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri has awarded eight long-overdue medals to U.S. Navy veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor, John Travis Moton.  Mr. Moton, 91, was surrounded by family earlier today at Congressman Clay’s St. Louis City Office as he received the military decorations earned almost seven decades ago.  On December 7, 1941, Moton was serving aboard the USS Tennessee, moored along Battleship Row, at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.  The ship took two direct hits in the surprise attack.

As he presented the medals to Mr. Moton, Congressman Clay remarked, “Every American owes you, and all World War II veterans, our enduring thanks for saving the world during its darkest hour.  Your courageous service should have been recognized while you were a young man.  But today, I am so pleased that my staff was able to right this wrong, and finally present you the thanks of a grateful nation.”
 

Besides his six year naval career, 1939 - 1945, Mr. Moton worked at the United States Postal Service for more than two decades.
 

Military Decorations Presented today
by Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri to:
John Travis Moton, Jr.
United States Navy, (retired)
09/18/1939 – 08/09/1945

World War II Victory Medal
Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with one bronze star
American Defense Service Medal with Fleet Clasp
Combat Action Ribbon
American Campaign Medal
Navy Discharge Button and Honorable Service Lapel Pin (Ruptured Duck)
Navy Good Conduct Medal
Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal
.