For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the
risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as
a Squad Leader of Company E, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine
Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressors forces in Korea
on 4 November 1950. Assuming the point position in the attack against a
strongly defended and well-entrenched numerically superior enemy
force occupying a vital hill position which had been unsuccessfully assaulted
on five separate occasions by units of the Marine Corps and other friendly
forces, Corporal Phillips fearlessly led his men in a bayonet charge
up the precipitous slope under a deadly hail of hostile mortar, small-arms
and machine gun fire. Quickly rallying his squad when it was pinned down
by a heavy and accurate mortar barrage, he continued to lead his men through
the bombarded area and, although only five members were left in the casualty
ridden unit, gained the military crest of the hill where he was immediately
subjected to an enemy counterattack. Although greatly outnumbered by a
estimated enemy squad, Corporal Phillips boldly engaged the hostile force
with hand grenades and rifle fire and, exhorting his gallant group of Marines
to follow him, stormed forward to completely overwhelm the enemy.
With only three men now left in his squad, he proceeded
to spearhead as assault on the last remaining strong point which was defended
by four of the enemy on a rocky and almost inaccessible portion of the
hill position. Using one hand to climb up the extremely hazardous precipice,
he hurled grenades with the other and, with two remaining comrades, succeeded
in annihilating the pocket of resistance and in consolidating the position.
Immediately subjected to a sharp counterattack by an estimated enemy squad,
he skillfully directed the fire of his men and employed his own weapon
with deadly effectiveness to repulse the numerically superior hostile force.
By his valiant leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and resolute determination
in the face of heavy odds, Corporal Phillips served to inspire all who
observed him and was directly responsible for the destruction of the enemy
stronghold. His great personal valor reflects the highest credit upon himself
and enhances and sustains the finest traditions of the United States Naval
Service.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
President of the United States
Return
to Top of PageReturn
to Main PageGo
to Alphabetical Pages