Leroy Jethro Moore was a World War II veteran, the best friend of Jackson Gibbs and also the namesake of NCIS Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs.
Biography[]
Pre-Series[]
Born in an unknown state in the U.S. in the early or mid 1920's, Moore soon became close friends with Jackson Gibbs. Later, Jackson named his son Leroy Jethro after his friend.
Moore later joined the United States Marine Corps and participated in the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II as one of the first ever African American Marine infantrymen. Under heavy fire and despite being shot multiple times, he rescued three members of his platoon, an achievement that earned Moore the Navy Cross.
When the war ended, Moore left the Marines and returned home to the United States. He and Jackson Gibbs then opened a store in Stillwater together.
After Jackson's wife Ann, who was suffering from cancer, told Moore about her plans to commit suicide using her medication, Moore choose not to inform Jackson or the young Gibbs of her plans. When he found out, Jackson, furious that Moore hadn't told him of his wife's plans, ended his friendship with Moore and brought Moore out of the store the two had started together. They went their separate ways, with Jackson and Moore not talking to one another for over forty years.
NCIS Season 10[]
In episode 5, The Namesake, while following up a lead in a pawnshop, Tony spotted a Medal of Honor in a display case. Gibbs stated it was illegal to sell such medals, asking the broker where she got it. She mentioned "some old guy" who needed cash, which she agreed to lend him, seeing as he was a hero. She showed Tony the paperwork and he was amused at the name on it, Leroy Jethro Moore. Gibbs then told him that that was the name of his father's best friend and his namesake. Later, Gibbs called his father to ask about LJ pawning his Medal of Honor. Jackson curtly denied knowing anything and sternly reminded Gibbs never to bring up LJ's name, before slamming the phone down, leaving Gibbs confused.
The next day, Gibbs travelled to a retirement home to find LJ, who recognized him from his unique blue eyes. He and Gibbs then began catching up, where he mentioned being married a couple of times, but it didn't work out. He was proud that Gibbs had joined the corps and Gibbs told him that it was because of LJ, as he'd been a hero to Gibbs. Gibbs then asked why LJ pawned his Medal of Honor, to which LJ just replied that while he was proud to get it, he didn't have anyone left to share it with and it was just gathering dust on a shelf. He had sold it to help pay for a new wheelchair lift at the retirement home. When Gibbs asked why LJ left Stillwater, LJ told him to ask Jackson, but Gibbs replied that Jackson wouldn't talk about it. LJ then left, saying he had to referee a poker game and Gibbs left him his card.
When Gibbs returned home that night, he found his father there, making tea. Gibbs then asked what had happened, but Jackson deflected. When pressed however, he told Gibbs that LJ knew his mother was going to overdose on her medication but chose not to say anything. Jackson was furious that LJ had essentially stolen Ann's last days from them and the two had a falling out, causing LJ to leave Stillwater.
The following day, LJ showed up at NCIS to talk to Gibbs. He didn't deny the allegations Jackson cast upon him. He admitted to knowing of her plans, stating she didn't want her husband and son to see her suffer though her cancer. He understood her, due to the pain and suffering he'd seen during the war, thus he did nothing. When Jackson suspected that LJ had known and confronted him, LJ didn't deny it and the two never spoke again. LJ agreed that Jackson was likely angry at the fact that she'd not only confided in LJ, but LJ didn't do anything to stop her. LJ had been just as in love with Ann as Jackson, but him being black meant any relationship was impossible at that time. LJ had to watch his best friend marry the girl he loved and when she was gone, he decided it was best to leave Stillwater permanently, especially given the feud between him and Jackson.
That night, while Jackson was fixing a broken cup in the basement, Gibbs came down with LJ, which greatly annoyed Jackson. Gibbs told them it was time to end the feud, but Jackson insisted nothing had changed. LJ pointed out that Ann would appreciate the way they were behaving. Gibbs told them to figure it out, before leaving to make dinner. Jackson commented that LJ had gotten old to which LJ chuckled.
The next morning, Jackson visited LJ at the retirement home to tell him he was heading back to Stillwater and to bring him the Medal of Honor he'd pawned. When LJ asked how Jackson got it back, he replied he'd told the broker his son was a federal agent and that he'd paid back the loan, figuring he'd shortchanged LJ on the store all those years ago. Before he left, Jackson asked if he'd return to Stillwater and if he wanted a ride. LJ wanted to drive, stating Jackson was the worst. Jackson clapped back reminding him that he wasn't the one who totaled LJ's father's Studebaker, which made LJ laugh. Jackson walked off saying he'd pick LJ up in an hour.
The two returned to Stillwater together.
NCIS Season 11[]
NCIS Season 16[]
Personality[]
Physical Appearance[]
LJ Moore is a 6'0ft tall African-American man with greying slicked black hair and mustache.
Awards and Decorations[]
United States Marine Corps[]
Below is a partial list of decorations awarded to Leroy Jethro Moore by the USMC:
- Medal of Honor
- Navy Cross (later upgraded to Medal of Honor)
- Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal
- World War II Victory Medal