Joseph A. Moller

February 7, 1900 – October 9, 1993

Joseph A. Moller, 93, a retired aeronautical engineer and a developer of airplane fuel in the 1930s, was a highly decorated World War II pilot.

A resident of Paradise Valley, Ariz., he died at home Saturday.

Mr. Moller, who lived in Chicago from 1929 to 1948, established a mechanical research laboratory for Pure Oil Co. It became the first aeronautical petroleum lab in the U.S. He held patents on 100 octane and diesel fuels.

A native of St. Louis, he trained as a pilot and received a commission in 1918 at Kelly Field in Texas. He graduated from Cornell University in 1928 with a degree in engineering.

He entered World War II as a colonel and flew with the 95th Bombardment Group before becoming commander of the 390th Bombardment Group. He led more raids over Europe than any other senior officer and was the leader of some of the England-to-Russia shuttle missions. On Nov. 16, 1944, he led an Allied force of 3,000 planes in the largest aerial offensive of the war.

Mr. Moller was decorated 16 times, receiving the Silver Star and Distinguished Flying Cross with clusters, as well as the Air Medal.

After the war, he returned to Pure Oil Co. He moved from Chicago to Arizona in 1948 and became the owner of the M-Flying-M Ranch near Three Points. He also helped establish the 390th Memorial Museum at the Pima Air Museum.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy; two sons, George and Allan; a daughter, Barbara Streever; seven grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday at the Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs.

Chicago Tribune (IL) - October 13, 1993