World War II Honoree

William B. Phillips, Jr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Canadian, Texas

Honored By

Elizabeth Holling

Relationship

Daughter

Served with the 1st Infantry in Germany, overseas since June 1944; was seriously wounded. Received the Distinguished Service Cross by Brigadier General James A Bethea, commanding general, McClosky general hospital, at regular retreat ceremonies at the hospital. Received the award for action near Schevenhutte, Germany on November 17, 1944. Was pinned down by intense machine-gun fire from an enemy pillbox, strategically located on top of a steep hill. Making his way up the hill of fire, reached a point within 25 yards of the enemy emplacement and fired a round of rocket ammunition into the doorway, killing 5 occupants. His daring action so demoralized the defenders of an adjacent pillbox they abandoned their position to surrender, but as he went forward he stepped on and anti-personnel mine that blew off his foot. Although suffering great pain he thought first of his comrades and for fear that the entire area was mined, did not permit them to come to his assistance until he had crawled to a safe position some 30 yards distant. Received the Distinguished Service Cross, Presidential Unit Citation, American Defense and European Theater of Operations ribbons, 3 bronze battle stars, Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge and the Good Conduct Medal. He trained in the states with the 76th Division and was transferred overseas to the 4th Division on June 12, 1944 D-Day plus 6.