Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Philip
L.
Bek
POW (WWII) KIA
June 5, 1920

–

June 26, 1943

Born:

Grand Rapids

, 

Michigan

Home:

Lansing

, 

Michigan

Buried: 

Kalamazoo

, 

Michigan

Cemetery:

Riverside Catholic Cemetery

Philip Bek was reported missing in action after his bomber was shot down on June 26, 1943. It is believed he is one of 12 Prisoners of War beheaded by the Japanese at a Rabaul prison camp in December 1943.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    June 26, 1943
    Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 205 (September 24, 1943)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Philip L. Bek (ASN: 0-724280), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Navigator of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, on 26 June 1943. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.