Edward J Phillips

Military ROLL OF HONOUR
media-39418.jpeg UPL 39418 S/Sgt Edward J. Phillips. Right Waist Gunner on 1st Lt Robert O. Stine's "Shade Ruff" crew.

United States Army Air Forces official photograph.

Object Number - UPL 39418 - S/Sgt Edward J. Phillips. Right Waist Gunner on 1st Lt Robert O. Stine's "Shade Ruff" crew.

Right Waist Gunner on 1st Lt Robert O. Stine's "Shade Ruff" crew. Shot down 11 April 1944 in B-17G #42-39881 "Gloria J." Killed in Action (KIA).



S/Sgt Edward J. Phillips, a tail gunner, was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action while on the bombing mission to Oschersleben (Germany) on February 22, 1944. Shortly after the bombing run, a bursting flak shell shattered a window in the tail turret, fragments of which severely wounded Sergeant Phillips. Recovering from the initial shock of the blast, he found his aircraft being viciously attacked by enemy fighters. In spite of wounds, Sergeant Phillips remained at his guns and continued to fight off the assaults. It was not until the pilot ordered him to leave his guns that he consented to receive first-aid treatment. The gallantry, skill and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Phillips set an inspiring example for all members of the crew.

Connections

See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below.

Units served with

A pathfinder B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 44-8258) of the 401st Bomb Group. Image by Robert Astrella. Written on slide casing: '48258 14 A, Mount Farm.'
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 401st Bomb Group 614th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Bombardier
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 401st Bomb Group 614th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Radio Operator, Radio Operator Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 401st Bomb Group 614th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Co-Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 401st Bomb Group 614th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Navigator
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 401st Bomb Group 614th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Tail Gunner

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Shade Ruff
  • Unit: 401st Bomb Group 614th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Gloria J
  • Unit: 401st Bomb Group 614th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Shade Ruff #2
  • Unit: 401st Bomb Group 614th Bomb Squadron

Events

Event Location Date Description

Died

11 April 1944

Born

Other

Killed in Action (KIA)

11 April 1944

Revisions

Date
ContributorShade Ruff
Changes
Sources

Corrected role entry.

Date
ContributorShade Ruff
Changes
Sources

614th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) loading lists and United States Army Regulation 600-8-22 - Military Awards.

Date
ContributorShade Ruff
Changes
Sources

Updated information.

Date
ContributorShade Ruff
Changes
Sources

Updated information.

Date
ContributorShade Ruff
Changes
Sources

Corrected typographical error.

Date
ContributorShade Ruff
Changes
Sources

United States Army Air Forces official photograph.

Date
ContributorShade Ruff
Changes
Sources

401st Bombardment Group (Heavy) unit history.

Date
ContributorShade Ruff
Changes
Sources

614th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) loading lists.

Date
ContributorShade Ruff
Changes
Sources

Missing Air Crew Report #4017 and 401st Bombardment Group (Heavy) unit history.

Date
ContributorShade Ruff
Changes
Sources

American Battle Monuments Commission records: https://www.abmc.gov/node/550020

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

Drawn from the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia / MACR 4017 / MACR 4017, http://www.401bg.org/Main/History/Members/Details.aspx?ID=1062 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database

Edward J Phillips: Gallery (1 items)