Mifflin County PA
Congressional Medal of Honor & Distinguished Service Cross & Distinguished Service Medal Issued by the War Department, 1919
Contributed by Tammy Clark
George R. Phillips, first lieutenant, Air Service, pilot, 50th Aero Squadron. For extraordinary heroism in action near Beffu et la Morthomme, France, October 23, 1918. Lieut. Phillips, pilot, accompanied by Lieut. Mitchell H. Brown, observer, while on a reconnaissance for the 78th Division, attacked an enemy balloon and forced it to descend, and was in turn attacked by three enemy planes (Fokker type). The incendiary bullets from the enemy's machines set the signal rockets in the observer's cockpit afire. Disregarding the possibility of going down in flames, Lieut. Phillips maneuvered his plane so that his observer was able to fire on and destroy one enemy plane and drive the others away. He then handed his fire extinguisher to Lieut. Brown, who extinguished the flames. They completed their mission and secured valuable information. Residence at appointment: 1122 West Market Street, Lewistown, Pa.
Source: Congressional Medal of Honor & Distinguished Service Cross & Distinguished Service Medal Issued by the War Department, 1919
Distinguished Service Cross
* Indicates Posthumous Award