Machinist First Class George Frederick Phillips, a sailor in the U.S. Navy, received the Medal of Honor for gallantry on June 3, 1898 at Santiago de Cuba harbor entrance, Cuba during the Spanish-American War. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Merrimac. Phillips was 36 years old.
7 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. He later rose to the rank of Chief Machinist.
Phillips was born on March 8, 1862 in St. John, Canada — one of 60 recipients born in Canada. His Medal of Honor is credited to Galveston, Galveston County, Texas. Phillips died on June 4, 1904 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, at the age of 42. He is buried at Fernhill Cemetery in St. John, Canada. His medal is held by New Brunswick Museum, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada.
Phillips is one of 110 Medal of Honor recipients from the Spanish-American War and one of 78 credited to Texas.
Official Medal of Honor citation
In connection with the sinking of the U.S.S. Merrimac at the entrance to the harbor of Santiago de Cuba, 3 June 1898. Despite heavy fire from the Spanish shore batteries, Phillips displayed extraordinary heroism throughout this operation.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: Spanish–American War.
Places
Timeline
- March 8, 1862Born in St. John, Canada
- June 3, 1898Act of valor — Santiago de Cuba harbor entrance, CubaAge 36. U.S.S. Merrimac
- June 4, 1904Died in Cambridge, MassachusettsAge 42.
- Resting placeFernhill CemeterySt. John
Biography
George Frederick Phillips (March 8, 1862 – June 4, 1904) was a U.S. Navy Machinist First Class who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Spanish–American War in 1899.
From the Wikipedia article “George Frederick Phillips”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
