THE WALL OF FACES

Bob,
I served on the USS Moinester in the early '80's. I met your family when we were in Coastal Drydock in Brooklyn, NY for a refit. You were not just a name to us, you were real, just as your Pontiac GTO that your family kept in their garage as a remembrance. You and your family reminded us of why we went to sea to defend this country, Best Wishes Shipmate.
May you have fair winds and following seas

Please be advised that my son Lt. Robert William Moinester as well of the rest of us in the family are all from the State of New York - just so you keep him in that state! I bring that to your attention because I am living here in Maine near family!

Robert was buried in a National Cemetery in Long Island, New York and his father is Robert Moinester - WWII vet is buried with him. The Navy named a ship for my son. I was the sponsor of USS Moinester 771097.

Most sincerely,

Gertrude Moinester

Name of Award
Silver Star

Year Awarded
1968

Details behind Award:
Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Robert William Moinester (NSN: 0-699034), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Officer-in-Charge of the Hue Ramp, Hue Detachment, Naval Support Activity in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 31 January 1968, numerous units, including Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Moinester and his ramp personnel, were en route to their assigned work areas in Hue. Unaware that the city had been infiltrated by large North Vietnamese Army units during the night, the column continued toward Hue and suddenly came under hostile mortar fire. Unit commanders were ordered to organize their men as combat units and continue to their assigned areas. Quickly organizing his men into an infantry platoon, composed of United States Navy, Marine Corps and Army personnel, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Moinester repeatedly exposed himself to increasingly intense hostile fire as he led his men in house-to-house clearing operations. Alertly observing enemy soldiers in a building to his front, he rapidly organized a frontal attack utilizing automatic rifles and grenade launchers as a base of fire and aggressively led the assault against the well entrenched enemy. Although Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Moinester was killed during the attack, the enemy were driven from their reinforced positions and sustained heavy casualties, enabling the column to continue its movement into the city. By his inspiring leadership, courageous actions and selfless devotion to duty, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Moinester upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Action Date: January 31, 1968
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant Junior Grade
Company: Hue Detachment
Division: Naval Support Activity

Dear LTJG Robert William Moinester, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter