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Philip, George, Jr.

Date of birth:
April 14th, 1912 (Fort Pierre/South Dakota, United States)
Date of death:
June 16th, 1945 (Okinawa, Japan)
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

Servicenumber 0-74871.

George Philip was born on April 14th, 1912 in Fort Pierre, South Dakota. He attended the South Dakota School of Mines in Rapid City. After this he was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy. He was commissioned on June 6th, 1935.

Promotions:
6th June 1935: Ensign;
4th September 1944: Commander.

Career:
1935 - 1937: U.S.S. Mississippi;
1937 - 1938: U.S.S. California;
1938 - 1940: U.S.S. Ellet;
1942 - 1943: Executive Officer, Navigator / Combat Intelligence Officer U.S.S. O'Bannon;
1943 - 1944: Operational Training Command, Pacific Fleet, San Diego, California;
1944 - 1946: Commanding Officer U.S.S. Twiggs.

For his service on the U.S.S. O'Bannon, Philip was entiteld to wear the Presidential Unit Citation.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Commander
Unit:
U.S.S. Twiggs (DD-591)
Awarded on:
January 1st, 1946
Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. TWIGGS (DD-591), during operations against the enemy in the vicinity of Okinawa Gunto, Nansei Shoto, from 25 March 1945 to 16 June 1945. Despite frequent attacks both day and night by enemy aircraft, and in the face of tremendous difficulties, Commander Philip directed the operation of his ship in such a manner that every mission was accomplished effectively. When his ship was damaged by an enemy suicide plane, Commander Philip brought her safely through the attack and supervised repair of battle damage in the combat area, returning to action in the minimum possible time. By his heroism in the destruction of enemy aircraft and shore installations, by his courage and endurance while commanding one of the destroyer pickets at Okinawa, an extraordinarily hazardous duty, and by virtue of conspicuous personal leadership in maintaining the fighting morale of a battle-worn crew under extremely trying conditions, Commander Philip distinguished himself and his command and contributed greatly to the success of a very difficult operation. His determination and heroic conduct were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 053 (January 1, 1946).
Navy Cross
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant
Unit:
U.S.S. O'Bannon (DD-450)
Awarded on:
June 2nd, 1943
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
Citation:
"For gallantry, intrepidity, and meritorious performance of duty in repeated actions against the enemy as Executive Officer and Navigator of the Destroyer U.S.S. O'BANNON (DD-450), operating as a unit of a Task Force in the Solomon Islands from 10 January to 6 April 1943. During this period his ship acquitted itself with distinction, participating in three bombardments of enemy shore installations; operated against enemy air and surface forces attempting to relieve Guadalcanal, and surprised on the surface and sank an enemy submarine on the night of 15 April. By his skill, fearlessness and outstanding leadership, Lieutenant Philip was instrumental in the successful accomplishment of all the missions of his ship in the above actions. His conduct was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 00809 (June 2, 1943).

Sources

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