November, 2010

Mr. John S. Moorhouse, Jr., was born and raised in the Legation Quarter of Peking, China (now known as Beijing), in 1926. His father was a Master Tailor, who owned and operated a men's and women's tailoring and clothing store catering to diplomats, military officials and civilians in the international community. His family resided in Peking in the winter months and at Paomachang during the summertime, which is approximately eight miles west of Peking in the foothills of the western hills.

In July of 1937 as an 11 year-old boy, he witnessed the Japanese invasion of China from Marco Polo Bridge, west of Paomachang, which marked the start of eight years of war. During the next two years, he and his family lived under Japanese occupation.

Then in September, 1939, when Germany invaded and conquered most of Europe and despite life in Peking for foreigners continuing as it had previously, Mr. Moorhouse's parents decided to leave China and travel to the United States to visit his mother's two brothers and sister, who was married to a Marine, stationed at North Island, Coronado. It was then that they decided to live in Coronado in 1940.

John Moorhouse. Sr. started an export business in San Francisco and was on a business trip in Manila when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, after which they then invaded the Philippines where they captured and interned all enemy civilians as Prisoners of War in the camp at Manila's Santo Tomas University in 1942. John Moorhouse, Sr., was one of those POW’s and was later moved to a Japanese Prison Camp in Mainland China.

John Moorhouse, Jr., graduated from Coronado High School in 1943 and joined the United States Marine Corps in 1944. He attended Boot Camp at MCRD, Line Camp, at Camp Pendleton and was then assigned overseas where he served in the South Pacific with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion. 5th Marine Regiment of the 1st Marine Division. For injuries sustained in combat during the Battle of Okinawa, he was awarded the Purple Heart. After recovering from his injuries, Mr. Moorhouse rejoined his unit in anticipation of the invasion of Japan. However at war's end in September 1945, instead of invading Japan, the 1st Marine Division was sent to China to round up enemy soldiers. His regiment was stationed in Peking where he had lived until he was a 13 year-old boy and returned to his "hometown" as a 19 year-old Marine. In late 1943, his father was moved to a Japanese Prison Camp in Pootung, Shanghai. The Chain of Commanded permitted Mr. Moorhouse to take his first leave of ten days, where he traveled to Shanghai to be with the units that liberated his father's prison camp, thus achieving the dream that had first led him to enlist in the Marine Corps.

He later served as a Marine at Camp Pendleton during the Korean War, was honorably discharged in 1952 and later retired from the Postal Service as the Coronado Postmaster. John was a member of the Coronado Police Department’s Senior Volunteer Patrol, joining the SVP at it’s formation in 1995.

He resided in Coronado with his wife of fifty-six years, Carolyn, and with whom he had five children, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

source: San Diego Purple Heart.com

The Coronado Police Department hosted the Senior Volunteer Patrol at a recognition banquet held last Friday, January 2015 at the Coronado Golf Course. The program is celebrating its 20th year and currently has 35 volunteers.

Special recognition went to two remaining original recruits from Academy I, John Moorhouse and Art O’Brien. Over the past twenty years, both John and Art have donated thousands of hours working in patrol, finger printing, special events and working with investigations.

In 1995, Sergeant Kevin Shank developed the program as a way for local seniors to make a difference in their community while partnering with law enforcement. The first volunteer academy had 18 recruits.

The Police Department is honored to be able to work with such amazing men and women. Thank you!

Johnny with his remarkable wife, Carolyn.

Senior Volunteers Honored: The Coronado Police Department honored Senior Volunteer Patrol members (January 2015). Volunteers were recognized for their service to the Department, the City, and the community. Their service comes at a substantial cost savings to the City. John Moorhouse and Art O’Brien were especially acknowledged for their each having committed 20 years of service with the Senior Volunteer Patrol. In 1995, Sgt. Kevin Shank developed the program as a way for local seniors to make a difference in their community while partnering with law enforcement. The first volunteer academy had 18 recruits. The Police Department is honored to be able to work with such amazing men and women.

From L to R, Senior Volunteer Patrol Cmmdr. Jesus Ochoa, Mayor Casey Tanaka, City Manager Blair King, Senior Volunteer John Moorhouse, Police Chief Jon Froomin and SVP Sgt. Mitch McKay.

This is a picture of the very first Senior Volunteer Patrol class in June, 1995, Coronado Police Dept.

John Moorhouse (front row, left) and Art O'Brien (second row, 5th from left) are still dedicated volunteers. Such a wonderful group of people from the "Greatest Generation."

source: Face Book

l-r: Terry & Rosemary McArron, Carolyn & Johnny Moorhouse at McArron house in La Mesa, CA

source: www.coronado.ca.us

Source:

www.sandiegopurpleheart.com

Johnny's Certificate of Naturalization.

Christmas 1995

Christmas 2006

Christmas 2007

Christmas 2008

Christmas 2010

Christmas 2011