World War II Honoree

Thomas A. Phillips

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Canton, Illinois

Honored By

Joyce E. & Robert J. Molinari

Relationship

Sister & Brother-in-law

JOINED FEBRUARY 1943. SERVED IN THE 1ST MARINE DIVISION. WENT TO SNIPER SCHOOL AND DROVE TRUCKS LOADED WITH AMMUNITION TO FRONT LINES IN ISLANDS IN PACIFIC AND BROUGHT BACK WOUNDED. LOST ONE OF HIS BEST FRIENDS WHEN TRUCK IN FRONT OF HIM HIT A MINE. HE AND HIS BROTHER WERE BOTH AT THE LANDING ON NEW BRITAIN, ABOUT 3 MILES APART BUT DIDN'T KNOW IT UNTIL THEY BOTH RETURNED HOME. ENDED UP IN CHINA. CAME HOME FEBRUARY 1946.