General Harley L. Moore, Jr. came to Coe from Davenport, Iowa, high school. During his four years at Coe College he established himself as a student, a leader, and an athlete. He competed in football for two years and he was a key member of three conference championship track teams. He was captain of the 1940 title winners.

In football, Harley was a halfback. His specialties in track were the demanding 440-yard and 880-yard races. He was also on the relay teams.

Teammates described him as a "dynamic leader", one they responded to and counseled with. He was called a "105 per center".

Harley L. Moore, Jr.'s lifetime of service to his country started while he was a student at Coe. He joined the Coe ROTC unit and was the cadet colonel when he received his degree in 1940. In 1973 he retired from the U.S. Army as a major general after serving in three wars.

General Moore served in a variety of infantry and military police assignments for 33 years. He was with the U.S. 3rd Army in World War II. He earned many awards and decorations including the Legion of Merit, the Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Distinguished Service Medal while serving with 3rd Army Headquarters in the Korean Conflict and in Vietnam. During his tour of duty in Vietnam he was both Commanding General, 18th Military Police Brigade, and Provost Marshal. In 1971 he was made the Commandant of Fort Gordon and given the rank of Major General prior to his retirement. Not all of the honors earned came from the United States. He also was cited by the governments of France, Germany, South Korea, and South Vietnam.

This distinguished soldier and citizen was known as "Dinty" a nickname he used during his college years and one he signs to his personal letters.