User:Museum of Marine/Anthony Deon Moseley

Anthony Deon Moseley new article content ... 2nd Lt. Anthony Deon Moseley (born March 8, 1938) was the first black band officer in the Marine Corps. Moseley grew up in a time when segregation existed and the highest rank a black military member help was Staff Sergeant. Through music Moseley was able to pave a way for future individuals as well as make something memorial of himself.

Moseley was born on March 8, 1938, in Clinton N.C., the second child to Mr. Frederick Douglas Moseley Sr. and Mrs. Eloise Williamson Moseley. Moseley's mom was a school teacher at Sampson County Training School which he attended. Moseley father worked as a cement finisher, riveter, and for a sawmill company. Moseley has one older brother named Frederick Douglas Moseley Jr.Moseley played the piano from the time he was five years old. While attending Sampson County Training School Moseley became the first student to play a sousaphone in the school's history. Moseley went on to get a scholarship to A&T College in Greensboro NC but the money soon ran out an he could no longer afford to go.

In April 16, 1956 Moseley joined the Marine Corps where he attended boot camp at Parris Island S.C. Deon had mess duty while in boot camp. Deon had to audition before he could get into the USMC band. Once at Cherry Point Marine Corps base Moseley was finally able to get his musician M.O.S. ( military occupation specialist). Moseley did two tours in Vietnam one in 1965 and another one in 1970. Although, Moseley applied for the band master position he was not able to obtain it. Moseley endured many hardships as a member of the USMC band, including food bring tossed at him feel less worthy of his prominent, well deserved status in the Marine Corps. Through everything that Mr.Moseley went through music was his savior. The instruments Deon plays includes the piano, bass, trombone, sousaphone, string bass, baritone, french horn, and trumpet, to name a few. In 1969 Moseley was stationed to Quantico Virginia were he studied basic and advance courses in music. While playing music and attending school to advance his passion Moseley aggressively continued to climb through the ranks. Moseley became a Gunny in 1970 and from there his dreams finally came through making 0-2 Band Officer on June 5, 1973. This marked a day in history which he paved through hard work and dedication. Moseley was able to read, play, write, music as well as conduct his band.

While serving his time in the Marine Corps Mr.Moseley won many awards including combat action ribbon, presidential unit citation, good conduct medal w/5*, national defense service medal, Vietnam service medal w/4*, Vietnam campaign medal w/1* (1960-), 2 technical medal, and 13 letter of appreciation.