Medal of Honor Memorial Service

Back on July 14, 2005, I attended the Pvt. George Phillips Detachment, U.S. Marine Corps League Memorial Service held at Bethel Cemetery in Labadie, MO. I was given a small packet of black sands of Iwo Jima to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo with a printed statement:  "Fifty years ago, United States Marines landed on the sands of Iwo Jima--and fought their way into a singularly heroic place in America's history. May this sand from the beach at Iwo Jima serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made on this hallowed ground in the cause of freedom. And may these memories endure for as long as the sand itself."

Pvt. George Phillips fell on March 14, 1945, and earned the Medal of Honor for which he received the following citation signed by U.S. President Harry S. Truman, and I am honored to have been a part of the day.

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his own life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the Second Battalion, twenty-eighth Marines, Fifth 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 hand-grenade fighting against infiltrating Japanese troops, Private Phillips was the only member of his unit alerted when an enemy hand grenade 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. Stout-hearted and indomitable, Private 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 reflets the highest credit upon himself and upon the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."

(Signed)  Harry S. Truman, President of the United States

This happened when Private Phillips was still just 19 years old.  I thought you should know.

George Weber