“Valiant leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and resolute determination“
At the highest point in Marietta National Cemetery flies an American flag and the POW/MIA flag commemorating those who never returned home from their service to our country.
And in the shadow of the flags, you’ll find a standard white headstone with the name of Marine Corporal Lee Hugh Phillips, recipient of our nation’s highest military honor and one of the men who never returned home from war.
Phillips was awarded the Medal of Honor for his brave actions on November 4, 1950, in Korea. Phillips miraculously survived the battle for which he was awarded the Medal of Honor. But he was killed in action just three weeks later, on November 27, 1950, while fighting at the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. His remains were not recovered. His Medal of Honor was presented to his mother at a Pentagon ceremony in March 1954.
Thus, Phillips, a native of Stockbridge, GA, is commemorated with a cenotaph — an empty grave and monument erected in honor of a person whose remains are lost — in Section MB, near the flag that flies over the hallowed grounds.
Each Medal of Honor award is accompanied by an official citation which describes the actions of the medal recipient. Phillips’ citation reads like a superhero movie script, except that it’s fact. Rather than describe it, here’s the citation as published by the National Medal of Honor Museum:
CITATION
“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a squad leader of Company E, in action against enemy aggressor forces. Assuming the point position in the attack against a strongly defended and well-entrenched numerically superior enemy force occupying a vital hill position which had been unsuccessfully assaulted on 5 separate occasions by units of the Marine Corps and other friendly forces, Cpl. Phillips fearlessly led his men in a bayonet charge up the precipitous slope under a deadly hail of hostile mortar, small-arms, and machine gun fire.
“Quickly rallying his squad when it was pinned down by a heavy and accurate mortar barrage, he continued to lead his men through the bombarded area and, although only 5 members were left in the casualty ridden unit, gained the military crest of the hill where he was immediately subjected to an enemy counterattack.
“Although greatly outnumbered by an estimated enemy squad, Cpl. Phillips boldly engaged the hostile force with handgrenades and rifle fire and, exhorting his gallant group of marines to follow him, stormed forward to completely overwhelm the enemy.
“With only 3 men now left in his squad, he proceeded to spearhead an assault on the last remaining strongpoint which was defended by 4 of the enemy on a rocky and almost inaccessible portion of the hill position.
“Using 1 hand to climb up the extremely hazardous precipice, he hurled grenades with the other and, with 2 remaining comrades, succeeded in annihilating the pocket of resistance and in consolidating the position.
“Immediately subjected to a sharp counterattack by an estimated enemy squad, he skillfully directed the fire of his men and employed his own weapon with deadly effectiveness to repulse the numerically superior hostile force.
“By his valiant leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and resolute determination in the face of heavy odds, Cpl. Phillips served to inspire all who observed him and was directly responsible for the destruction of the enemy stronghold. His great personal valor reflects the highest credit upon himself and enhances and sustains the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.”
(Signed) Dwight D. Eisenhower, President of the United States
Additional Honors
In addition to receiving the Medal of Honor, Phillips was bestowed with Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon,Navy & Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation with 2 Bronze Stars, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars and the United Nations Service Medal.
Our Growing Series on Marietta National Cemetery
Since we live nearby, we frequently walk the pathways through Marietta National Cemetery. We’re often intrigued by what we find, and develop new articles. You can find all our posts about Marietta National Cemetery and the heroes resting in its hills by clicking here.
