World War II Honoree

Rodney B. Phillippay

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Kahlotus, Washington

Honored By

Joe Phillippay

Relationship

Nephew

PURPLE HEART AND A BRONZE STAR RECIPIENT. WAS ALSO NOMINATED FOR A SILVER STAR. HIS ACT OF VALOR OCCURRED ON MARCH 26, 1945 AT THE AIRPORT IN HUNXE, GERMANY WHERE HIS UNIT WAS HALTED BY INTENSE ENEMY FIRE. AT GREAT RISK TO HIMSELF, HE DETERMINED THE ENEMY POSITIONS AND DEVISED A PLAN OF ATTACK. HE PLACED HIMSELF ON THE DECK OF THE LEADING TANK DESTROYER AND, WHILE MANNING THE .50 CALIBER MACHINE GUN, LED THE ASSAULT ON MORTAR AND MACHINE GUN EMPLACEMENTS UNTIL THEY WERE NEUTRALIZED. HIS ACTIONS ENABLED THE FORCES TO DESTROY THE ENEMY WITH MINIMAL LOSSES THEMSELVES.