Phillips, Robert Jr., St. Helena Parish, Louisiana
File prepared by D.N. Pardue and submitted by Inez Bridges Tate.
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Submitted to the LAGenWeb Archives
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From "St. Helena Vets Remember World War II: Personal Interviews
With World War II Vets", published by St. Helena Historical
Association, 1995.  Compiled and edited by Inez Bridges Tate and
reprinted with permission.

     Robert Phillips, Jr. was born in New Orleans August 25,
1926 and lived there until age three when he moved with his
parents to Tangipahoa.  The family moved to the Pine Ridge
Community when Robert was twelve years old and he remained there
until he was 21 years old.

     After graduating from Greensburg High School in 1943, he
worked at Blimp Base in Houma and at Higgins Aircraft in New
Orleans.  Volunteering for the U.S. Navy on July 8, 1944, he
reported to the Naval Training Base in San Diego, California for
basic training.  Other training was at Class A Gunners' Mate
School.

     Robert served aboard the U.S.S. Wesson D E 184 in the South
Pacific, visiting Hawaii, the Philippines, Guam and Japan.  He
saw Billy Carter once.

     Robert received the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon, American
Theater Ribbon, Victory RIbbon and Navy Occupation Medal.

     With the end of the War, he returned to the United States
and traveled to New Orleans where he received his discharge on
June 4, 1946.  At the time of his discharge, he held the rank of
GMM 2.

     Robert worked at Ethyl and Uniroyal after his discharge.
He and Miss Clynese Tidwell were married on May 18, 1948.  They
are the parents of three children and have three grandchildren
to enjoy.

     Robert also served in the Navy during the Korean Conflict
from August 9, 1950 until December 14, 1951.  He served aboard
the U.S. Dixie A D 14.  He was sent to Korea during this time.
At the time of his discharge he held the rank of GMM 1.  He was
awarded the Korean Service Medal for his participation in this
war.

     Robert and his family lived in Baton Rouge until August 1984
at which time they moved to Greensburg.  He is self employed and
has been since 1958.  Robert does repairs on air conditioners
and electrical appliances.

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