Colonel James Alfred Moss - A Soldier's Story


Colonel James Alfred Moss was born on May 12, 1872, in Lafayette, Louisiana. He graduated from the Collegiate Institute of Baton Rouge before attending West Point, graduating in 1894. The youngest cadet at the time to do so.

He was assigned to the western frontier, creating the 25th Infantry Bicycle Corps, and leading the unit on a 2,000-mile bike ride from Fort Missoula, Montana, to St. Louis, Missouri.

Colonel Moss was then assigned to the 25th Infantry, leading the unit to Cuba, before transferring to the 25th Infantry, and deploying to the Philippines.

He briefly served as the superintendent of Sequia National Park and was the aide de camp to Major General Corbin.



In WWI, he commanded the 367th Infantry, serving more than a year in the trenches of France.

After the war, Colonel Moss served as the Deputy Provost Marshal General and the Secretary of the Quartermaster and wrote more than 33 military books, including "The Officer's Manual" and "The Origin and Significance of Military Customs."  He retired on October 31, 1922.

After retirement, he moved to New York City, where he devoted his time to the United States Flag Association. 

Colonel James Alfred Moss died on April 23, 1941, following a traffic accident. He rests at Arlington.


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a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller living in Salem, Virginia. 

In addition to her travel writings at www.takethebackroads.com, you can also read her book reviews at www.riteoffancy.com and US military biographies at www.everydaypatriot.com

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Location: Lafayette, LA, USA

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