Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Calls outside of office hours? No worries! Our team will respond within 10–15 minutes.
May 29, 2011
Services
Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, June 2, 2011 from 1-4, 6-9 PM at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne.
Funeral services will be held 10 AM on Friday, 3, 2011 at the funeral home.
Mosley, Clarence “Red” “The Hook” died on Sunday, May 29, 2011 peacefully with his family at his side.
A True War Hero
Clarence “Red” Mosley
December 26, 1930 – May 29, 2011
Today we are honoring Red Mosley. Red has lived a lifetime of triumphs over defeat. His final battle was lost and he will be laid to rest at his final resting place alongside his wife, Ruthie, his parents, Lillian and Harold, his sister, Doris and with God the father.
He was raised in Paterson, NJ in a poor family and learned young what it takes to survive in this world. He never completed his schooling as he had to work to help put food on the family table. He became known as “Red” as he was a perky redhead who loved life and whom everyone liked. He was a semi-pro welterweight boxer in his younger years and then decided to go pro for a very short time. He decided to make something of his life and joined the military. He joined the U.S.A.F in the summer of 1951 with the dream of becoming a pilot, but because of his education, he couldn’t fulfill that dream, so he trained to become a Gunner. During that time, the United States was at War with North Korea.
He was shipped out to South Korea in early 1952, and flew many successful Missions. He was in the 8th Bomber Squadron. He loved being up there, flying high and low, fighting for his country! Red was a wonderful airman, a dedicated serviceman and a fellow friend. On December 4, 1952, Red (Gunner) and his two buddies, Alex “Brownie” Brown (the Navigator) and Major Kuchs (the Pilot) were flying their 25th Mission in a B-26 Twin Engine Attack Bomber over North Korea when his Plane was hit by enemy ground fire. Our father was badly wounded in both legs, thighs and arms and he knew the plane was hit pretty bad, they started losing altitude and it looked grim. The Pilot, Major Kuchs, made sure Red and Brownie put their parachutes on and ordered them to “get the hell out of the plane”. The Pilot, Major Kuchs, went down with the plane. He sacrificed his life to save his crew. Red landed in the trees on a snow covered mountain in North Korea, in enemy territory. He thought, at least I’m alive, and crawled down to a stream he spotted on the way down, hoping they would come and find him soon, as radar had the approximate location. He wrapped himself in his parachute and he had a survival kit. He didn’t know it yet, but he was about to face the fight of his life – SURVIVAL! He was listed as MIA. His parents received a Western Union Telegram from the President stating that their son was MIA and everything was being done to locate him. Stay tuned…
It was snowing on and off and very cold (-10 degrees) and he had only his parachute for heat and cover. He had two days of survival ration-packets and his trusty .45 pistol. He couldn’t go very far, as both legs were all shot up. He kept praying for God to give him strength, dreaming of his family, friends, his gal Marilyn, his life… he was frightened and cold but was determined to live! He wasn’t sure if anyone knew how far he had drifted from the plane, and if anyone would ever find him! He kept drifting in and out of consciousness and was losing hope. He wasn’t sure how long he had been there. By the fifth day he was almost near death when he heard noises that sounded like people near him. When he woke up he saw a Star on the hats of two Koreans, he figured this was it! With his last ounce of energy left in his frozen body, he fired at them with his .45, and thank goodness he missed! They circled around him and conked him on the head. He woke up looking up at the barrel of a sub-machine gun! Thank God they were “friendlies”. They found him on December 9, 1952 and carried him a couple of miles to a little station in the mountains, stripped him, started Intravenous fluids and trying to help him and then after dark they radioed a chopper and flew him to a M.A.S.H. Unit where they removed all the shrapnel and treated his many wounds. When he woke up, he didn’t know where he was and heard the bad news--that both legs would probably be amputated. They weren’t too sure about his hands, because of frostbite, but that would be dealt with at a later time. At first it seemed like an illusion, a dream/nightmare and that he would wake up and it would all be a dream, but it was reality! His life would change forever!
He was flown to 121 Evacuation Hospital in Seoul, South Korea where they proceeded to amputate both his legs. It was either his legs or his life. When he woke up he was so angry that he threw a little radio at the doctor when he told him! It’s very difficult for an ex-fighter who had intended to return to the ring, per say, to find out that he has lost his legs! For his family, he was listed as found, but in critical condition. He was then flown down to the Army Hospital in Pusam and then to Osaka and onto Tokyo Army Hospital. That is where his both hands were amputated. They tried to save as much as they could.
He was eventually flown to Walter Reed Hospital in the States. He was now listed as the first Quadruple Amputee of the U.S.A.F in the Korean War. He fought long and hard those endless months that followed. He underwent 27 more surgeries and was fitted for leg prosthesis and a hook for his right arm. He was determined to overcome his handicap! He learned to walk again just after four days, a hospital record! He walked out of Walter Reed in September 1953, with a smile on his face and hope in his heart. He received the Purple Heart for bravery, the Distinguished Flying Cross for his missions and the Air Medal.
He returned to his hometown of Paterson, NJ to start a new life! He was given a Hero’s Welcome. His family and friends were there with open arms. Various events were planned for him including the “Night of Stars” with Ed Sullivan. He met many movie stars and became very well known. Due to his injuries, he wasn’t able to return to the boxing ring (he developed a terrific right hook!), so he decided to sell cars at a local dealership. His motto was “You won’t get took when you deal with the Hook”. He was a top seller every year. He found a way! He was able to do almost everything a man with legs and hands could do. He was a fabulous dancer and enjoyed a jitterbug with Alice Smith his good friend.
He went on to meet the love of his life, Ruth Shaw, and they were married in September of 1953. They moved to Pompton Plains, NJ in 1960 and had two redheaded children, Nancy and Mark. They had a wonderful life together. They volunteered and gave of their selves. Our mom passed away in June 1999. Growing up with Dad was certainly interesting and challenging, but we never considered him a handicapped man. We admired his strength, bravery, courage, and his love of life. He certainly is our “Hero” and is the “Wind Beneath our Wings”. He is the proud Grandfather of Michael, Joseph, and Stephen Michaud and Craig Mosley and Great-Grandfather to the newest member of our family, Sophia Marie Michaud.
Our dad was active in the V.F.W. Post 1931, American Legion Post 174, Wayne Elks, Korean War Veterans, Charwon Chapter, 5th Air Force Squadron, 8th Air Force Squadron, Inducted into the Diamond Gloves Boxing Hall of Fame, Co-Chairman of Annual Diamond Gloves Tournaments, Korean War Memorial Highway 287 (Passaic Portion) named and dedicated after our Dad, His picture is on the Korean War Memorial in Washington DC, Chairman of the Wayne Memorial Monument, Wayne, NJ, Co-Chairperson American Legion War Memorial Monument, Wayne, NJ, Chairperson of the Annual Voice Of Democracy Contest at Passaic Voc-Tech, Wayne Memorial Parade Chairman/Co-Chairman/Ad Book Chairman (he marched in every Parade for as long as he could until recently), Annual Parade in Ridgewood, NJ, participated in many Veteran’s Day events, Annual Food Collection Campaign in Wayne for the Needy Families, Visited Patients at Paramus Veterans Home, the VA Hospital and various other hospitals helping other amputees to cope with their injuries. Has served as Adjunct and Past Commander for VFW, Wayne Day activities, sold Poppies and many more! Wherever a hand was needed, there he was.
Dad, Brother, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Father-in-law, Uncle, Cousin, Friend, Buddy, Colleague, Comrade, fellow Serviceman, we are very proud of you! We love you and we will miss you…
Always, your loving family
Written by your Son and Daughter
Nancy Michaud and Mark Mosley
5/31/11
He was the loving husband of the late Ruth (nee Shaw) Mosley(1999); loving father of Nancy Michaud and her husband Daniel of Somerset, NJ and Mark Mosley and his wife Dawn of Kenvil, NJ. Loved brother of Harold Mosley, Jr. of West Milford, NJ and the late Doris “Blondie” Mandeville formerly of Toms River. Cherished grandfather of Michael and his wife Lara, Joseph and Stephen Michaud and Craig Mosley and great-grandfather of Sophia Marie Michaud.
Memorial Donation Information
Dear Family and Friends of Clarence "Red" Mosley,
The family of "Red" Mosley has requested memorial donations be made to the
East Millstone First Aid Squad in lieu of flowers.
They feel that "Red" would have loved this and thought it would be the most honorable and wonderful thing to do in his memory. His daughter Nancy Michaud is an EMT and member of the East Millstone First Aid Squad. She has volunteered her time and caring talents helping the sick and injured for over 18 years. Your tax-deductible donations would be greatly appreciated and will be used to purchase life saving equipment needed every day. Red’s Son, Mark Mosley has also donated his talents and efforts to many organizations. They surely take after their Dad! We are a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt Volunteer First Aid Squad answering 911 emergency calls for help 24/7, 365 days a year.
Your memorial donation can be sent, using the form below, to:
East Millstone First Aid Squad
P. O. Box 2088
East Millstone, NJ 08875
Attn: Clarence "Red" Mosley Memorial
Should you need additional information, please call the squad at 908-208-2403.
A confirmation of your donation will be made via e-mail if you would like. Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Paul Hoeper, President
"------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MEMORIAL DONATION – Clarence "Red" Mosley
Name __________________________________ Donation: _$___________
Address__________________________________
__________________________________
E-Mail Address: ________________________________ Phone: _______________
If you would like to send a private condolence directly to the family use this condolence section.
Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, June 2, 2011 from 1-4, 6-9 PM at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne.
Funeral services will be held 10 AM on Friday, 3, 2011 at the funeral home.
May 29, 2011
Services
Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, June 2, 2011 from 1-4, 6-9 PM at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne.
Funeral services will be held 10 AM on Friday, 3, 2011 at the funeral home.
Mosley, Clarence “Red” “The Hook” died on Sunday, May 29, 2011 peacefully with his family at his side.
A True War Hero
Clarence “Red” Mosley
December 26, 1930 – May 29, 2011
Today we are honoring Red Mosley. Red has lived a lifetime of triumphs over defeat. His final battle was lost and he will be laid to rest at his final resting place alongside his wife, Ruthie, his parents, Lillian and Harold, his sister, Doris and with God the father.
He was raised in Paterson, NJ in a poor family and learned young what it takes to survive in this world. He never completed his schooling as he had to work to help put food on the family table. He became known as “Red” as he was a perky redhead who loved life and whom everyone liked. He was a semi-pro welterweight boxer in his younger years and then decided to go pro for a very short time. He decided to make something of his life and joined the military. He joined the U.S.A.F in the summer of 1951 with the dream of becoming a pilot, but because of his education, he couldn’t fulfill that dream, so he trained to become a Gunner. During that time, the United States was at War with North Korea.
He was shipped out to South Korea in early 1952, and flew many successful Missions. He was in the 8th Bomber Squadron. He loved being up there, flying high and low, fighting for his country! Red was a wonderful airman, a dedicated serviceman and a fellow friend. On December 4, 1952, Red (Gunner) and his two buddies, Alex “Brownie” Brown (the Navigator) and Major Kuchs (the Pilot) were flying their 25th Mission in a B-26 Twin Engine Attack Bomber over North Korea when his Plane was hit by enemy ground fire. Our father was badly wounded in both legs, thighs and arms and he knew the plane was hit pretty bad, they started losing altitude and it looked grim. The Pilot, Major Kuchs, made sure Red and Brownie put their parachutes on and ordered them to “get the hell out of the plane”. The Pilot, Major Kuchs, went down with the plane. He sacrificed his life to save his crew. Red landed in the trees on a snow covered mountain in North Korea, in enemy territory. He thought, at least I’m alive, and crawled down to a stream he spotted on the way down, hoping they would come and find him soon, as radar had the approximate location. He wrapped himself in his parachute and he had a survival kit. He didn’t know it yet, but he was about to face the fight of his life – SURVIVAL! He was listed as MIA. His parents received a Western Union Telegram from the President stating that their son was MIA and everything was being done to locate him. Stay tuned…
It was snowing on and off and very cold (-10 degrees) and he had only his parachute for heat and cover. He had two days of survival ration-packets and his trusty .45 pistol. He couldn’t go very far, as both legs were all shot up. He kept praying for God to give him strength, dreaming of his family, friends, his gal Marilyn, his life… he was frightened and cold but was determined to live! He wasn’t sure if anyone knew how far he had drifted from the plane, and if anyone would ever find him! He kept drifting in and out of consciousness and was losing hope. He wasn’t sure how long he had been there. By the fifth day he was almost near death when he heard noises that sounded like people near him. When he woke up he saw a Star on the hats of two Koreans, he figured this was it! With his last ounce of energy left in his frozen body, he fired at them with his .45, and thank goodness he missed! They circled around him and conked him on the head. He woke up looking up at the barrel of a sub-machine gun! Thank God they were “friendlies”. They found him on December 9, 1952 and carried him a couple of miles to a little station in the mountains, stripped him, started Intravenous fluids and trying to help him and then after dark they radioed a chopper and flew him to a M.A.S.H. Unit where they removed all the shrapnel and treated his many wounds. When he woke up, he didn’t know where he was and heard the bad news--that both legs would probably be amputated. They weren’t too sure about his hands, because of frostbite, but that would be dealt with at a later time. At first it seemed like an illusion, a dream/nightmare and that he would wake up and it would all be a dream, but it was reality! His life would change forever!
He was flown to 121 Evacuation Hospital in Seoul, South Korea where they proceeded to amputate both his legs. It was either his legs or his life. When he woke up he was so angry that he threw a little radio at the doctor when he told him! It’s very difficult for an ex-fighter who had intended to return to the ring, per say, to find out that he has lost his legs! For his family, he was listed as found, but in critical condition. He was then flown down to the Army Hospital in Pusam and then to Osaka and onto Tokyo Army Hospital. That is where his both hands were amputated. They tried to save as much as they could.
He was eventually flown to Walter Reed Hospital in the States. He was now listed as the first Quadruple Amputee of the U.S.A.F in the Korean War. He fought long and hard those endless months that followed. He underwent 27 more surgeries and was fitted for leg prosthesis and a hook for his right arm. He was determined to overcome his handicap! He learned to walk again just after four days, a hospital record! He walked out of Walter Reed in September 1953, with a smile on his face and hope in his heart. He received the Purple Heart for bravery, the Distinguished Flying Cross for his missions and the Air Medal.
He returned to his hometown of Paterson, NJ to start a new life! He was given a Hero’s Welcome. His family and friends were there with open arms. Various events were planned for him including the “Night of Stars” with Ed Sullivan. He met many movie stars and became very well known. Due to his injuries, he wasn’t able to return to the boxing ring (he developed a terrific right hook!), so he decided to sell cars at a local dealership. His motto was “You won’t get took when you deal with the Hook”. He was a top seller every year. He found a way! He was able to do almost everything a man with legs and hands could do. He was a fabulous dancer and enjoyed a jitterbug with Alice Smith his good friend.
He went on to meet the love of his life, Ruth Shaw, and they were married in September of 1953. They moved to Pompton Plains, NJ in 1960 and had two redheaded children, Nancy and Mark. They had a wonderful life together. They volunteered and gave of their selves. Our mom passed away in June 1999. Growing up with Dad was certainly interesting and challenging, but we never considered him a handicapped man. We admired his strength, bravery, courage, and his love of life. He certainly is our “Hero” and is the “Wind Beneath our Wings”. He is the proud Grandfather of Michael, Joseph, and Stephen Michaud and Craig Mosley and Great-Grandfather to the newest member of our family, Sophia Marie Michaud.
Our dad was active in the V.F.W. Post 1931, American Legion Post 174, Wayne Elks, Korean War Veterans, Charwon Chapter, 5th Air Force Squadron, 8th Air Force Squadron, Inducted into the Diamond Gloves Boxing Hall of Fame, Co-Chairman of Annual Diamond Gloves Tournaments, Korean War Memorial Highway 287 (Passaic Portion) named and dedicated after our Dad, His picture is on the Korean War Memorial in Washington DC, Chairman of the Wayne Memorial Monument, Wayne, NJ, Co-Chairperson American Legion War Memorial Monument, Wayne, NJ, Chairperson of the Annual Voice Of Democracy Contest at Passaic Voc-Tech, Wayne Memorial Parade Chairman/Co-Chairman/Ad Book Chairman (he marched in every Parade for as long as he could until recently), Annual Parade in Ridgewood, NJ, participated in many Veteran’s Day events, Annual Food Collection Campaign in Wayne for the Needy Families, Visited Patients at Paramus Veterans Home, the VA Hospital and various other hospitals helping other amputees to cope with their injuries. Has served as Adjunct and Past Commander for VFW, Wayne Day activities, sold Poppies and many more! Wherever a hand was needed, there he was.
Dad, Brother, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Father-in-law, Uncle, Cousin, Friend, Buddy, Colleague, Comrade, fellow Serviceman, we are very proud of you! We love you and we will miss you…
Always, your loving family
Written by your Son and Daughter
Nancy Michaud and Mark Mosley
5/31/11
He was the loving husband of the late Ruth (nee Shaw) Mosley(1999); loving father of Nancy Michaud and her husband Daniel of Somerset, NJ and Mark Mosley and his wife Dawn of Kenvil, NJ. Loved brother of Harold Mosley, Jr. of West Milford, NJ and the late Doris “Blondie” Mandeville formerly of Toms River. Cherished grandfather of Michael and his wife Lara, Joseph and Stephen Michaud and Craig Mosley and great-grandfather of Sophia Marie Michaud.
Memorial Donation Information
Dear Family and Friends of Clarence "Red" Mosley,
The family of "Red" Mosley has requested memorial donations be made to the
East Millstone First Aid Squad in lieu of flowers.
They feel that "Red" would have loved this and thought it would be the most honorable and wonderful thing to do in his memory. His daughter Nancy Michaud is an EMT and member of the East Millstone First Aid Squad. She has volunteered her time and caring talents helping the sick and injured for over 18 years. Your tax-deductible donations would be greatly appreciated and will be used to purchase life saving equipment needed every day. Red’s Son, Mark Mosley has also donated his talents and efforts to many organizations. They surely take after their Dad! We are a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt Volunteer First Aid Squad answering 911 emergency calls for help 24/7, 365 days a year.
Your memorial donation can be sent, using the form below, to:
East Millstone First Aid Squad
P. O. Box 2088
East Millstone, NJ 08875
Attn: Clarence "Red" Mosley Memorial
Should you need additional information, please call the squad at 908-208-2403.
A confirmation of your donation will be made via e-mail if you would like. Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Paul Hoeper, President
"------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MEMORIAL DONATION – Clarence "Red" Mosley
Name __________________________________ Donation: _$___________
Address__________________________________
__________________________________
E-Mail Address: ________________________________ Phone: _______________
Guestbook