Medal of Honor: George Phillips – U.S. Marine Corps – World War II

Name: George Phillips
Rank: Private
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
Unit: 2d Battalion, 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division
Place: Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands
Entered Service At: Labadie, Missouri
Born: 14 July 1926, Rich Hill, Missouri

Summary of Action

Following a night of intense hand-to-hand combat against infiltrating Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Pvt. George Phillips stood watch while the rest of his squad rested in their foxholes.

In the stillness that followed the battle, an enemy soldier managed to approach undetected and tossed a hand grenade into the position.

Phillips was the only man alert.

Reacting instantly, he shouted a warning to his sleeping comrades. In the same moment, without hesitation and with full knowledge of the consequences, he threw himself onto the grenade.

The explosion was absorbed by his body.

His sacrifice shielded his fellow Marines from the blast, saving them from serious injury or death.

In a single, selfless act, he ensured that his squad would live to continue the fight.

Medal of Honor Citation

PHILLIPS, GEORGE

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 2d Battalion, 28th Marines, 5th 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 handgrenade fighting against infiltrating Japanese troops, Pvt. Phillips was the only member of his unit alerted when an enemy handgrenade 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. Stouthearted and indomitable, Pvt. 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 reflect the highest credit upon himself and upon the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.