Alumni

John Moon, 1939 Alumnus, Purple Heart Recipient and Oldest Known Survivor of Iwo Jima Passes Away at 103

Johnmoon

WIU alumnus John Moon '39 passed away in Macomb Oct. 29. The oldest known survivor of the Battle of Iwo Jima was 103 years old. Services for the 1939 WIU alumnus and Purple Heart recipient are pending. Mr. Moon was an active member of the WIU and Macomb communities, and we were so fortunate that this incredible gentleman was a member of our Leatherneck  family. In 2017 and in 2018, at ages 100 and 101, respectively, he sang the National Anthem before a women's basketball game. Vis it here  to read more about his amazing journey, " From the Sands of Iwo Jima," Illinois Country Living magazine (Nov. 2017). We hope you will  ake a moment to remember John Moon and click here to enjoy his January 18, 2018 performance of the National Anthem.