2nd Lt. Pete Moloney

Of all of the topics I write about on bound by gravity, none are more important to me than my articles on my family's history (specifically, military history). They give me a chance to learn about, and share, some stories about the ordinary heroes that preceded me.

In the past I have extended the offer of space on this blog for anyone who would like details of their family's military tradition published. One of my father's co-workers has taken me up on my offer. Here are some pictures of his uncle, 2nd Lt. Pete Moloney, as well as the write-up explaining why he won the Military Cross during the first world war.

---

Second Lt. Peter J. Moloney

Christmas Day 1916 (France), Pete is 2nd from the right

Pete with his fighter

Second Lt. Peter J. Moloney & Second Lt. Freeburn after receiving their Military Cross Medals, (England)

The write up on Second Lt. Peter “Pete” J. Moloney on why he won the Military Cross

The letter reads:

Way Office, April 25

With reference to the awards conferred, as announced in the London Gazette dated January 18, 1918, the following are the statements of service for which the decorations were conferred.

Military Cross
Sec. Lt. P.J. Moloney RFC. Spec. Res.

When on patrol he was attacked by six hostile aeroplanes which dived at him out of the clouds. In the first burst of fire, he received a severe wound. His control wires were very badly cut and several of his flying [???] were shot away. Despite this, he attacked four of the enemy aeroplanes, one of which disappeared, another crashing down out of control. Feeling very faint from loss of blood, he then made for our lines through the nearest clouds. Though the fog was very thick, he succeeded in landing his machine undamaged behind out lines. On another occasion when on patrol, he engaged the leader of a hostile formation and drove him down. Though he suffered from engine trouble, he finally succeeded in driving off another enemy which had attacked him. This officer's tenacity and pluck are worthy of the highest praise.