he returned to quantico in april 1927 and assumed command of 1st battalion, 10th marines. following the activation of 3rd marine brigade under brigadier general smedley butler at that time, moses and his battalion joined the brigade and embarked for expeditionary duty in china. he was stationed at shanghai international settlement until september 7 of that year, when he was promoted to lieutenant colonel and attached to the american legation guard in peking. while in the latter assignment, moses served consecutively as executive officer, officer-in-charge of operations and training, and post intelligence officer.