William Dewey Moody was born on November 11, 1919, in Kingsport, Sullivan County, Tennessee. He was the son of Neal C. Moody and Nannie Elvira Dillow Moody.

William served in Company C, 2nd Ranger Battalion, as a First Lieutenant during World War II. He was Killed in Action on June 6, 1944, at the age of 24, at Pointe de la Percée, during the American assault on Omaha beach in France. 1Lt Moody is now buried in the Knoxville National Cemetery, Knoxville, Knox County, Tennessee, USA.
DSC Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) William D. Moody (ASN: 0-1300357), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 2d Ranger Battalion, in action against enemy forces on 6 June 1944, at Normandy, France. On D-Day, First Lieutenant Moody led his platoon, in the face of heavy and intense enemy fire, across the beach to the comparative safety of the cliffs overlooking the beach. He then climbed the cliffs and secured ropes to the top for the ascent of the remainder of his platoon. Without waiting for his men to reach the top, First Lieutenant Moody valiantly moved to attack and clear the enemy out of his trenches in this vicinity. He was advancing upon an enemy position when he was killed by a sniper. The extraordinary heroism and courageous leadership displayed by First Lieutenant Moody were an inspiration to the men of his platoon and exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States, reflecting great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.