PHILLIPS, GEORGE - Medal of Honor Recipient
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
Birth:
14 July
1926, Rich Hill, Mo. Entered service at: Labadie, Mo. Citation. For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the
call of duty while serving with the 2d Battalion, 28th Marines, 5th Marine
Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of
Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, on 14 March 1945. Standing the foxhole
watch while other members of his squad rested after a night of bitter handgrenade
fighting against infiltrating Japanese troops, Pvt. Phillips was the only
member of his unit alerted when an enemy handgrenade was tossed into their
midst. Instantly shouting a warning, he unhesitatingly threw himself on
the deadly missile, absorbing the shattering violence of the exploding
charge in his own body and protecting his comrades from serious injury.
Stouthearted and indomitable, Pvt. Phillips willingly yielded his own life
that his fellow marines might carry on the relentless battle against a
fanatic enemy. His superb valor and unfaltering spirit of self-sacrifice
in the face of certain death reflect the highest credit upon himself and
upon the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
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