Moshe Whartman was born on June 23, 1953 in New York to Eliezer and Drora. He was named after his mother's brother who was killed in the War of Independence. In 1957 the family made aliya, settling in Jerusalem, and Moshe began to study in the Beit Hayeled elementary school. He then attended the Hebrew University's High School.
He was drafted into the IDF in August 1971 and served for one and a quarter years in the Naval Commando. He was then transferred to the Golani Brigade and despite his disappointment, he adapted to the new unit and became an officer. During the Yom Kippur War he was attached to the Shaked unit under Arik Sharon and fought at the Chinese Farm, the crossing of the Canal and at the bunkers on the outskirts of Ismailya. He was promoted regularly and served as the commander of the Shani and Har Dov outposts. He was due to be discharged in April 1975 but acceded to his commander’s request that he serve for an additional 9 months.
On May 25, 1975 he led a patrol into Lebanon and was killed in a battle with terrorists. He was buried on Mt. Herzl in Jerusalem.
