The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Charles Emery Phillips (NSN: 0-278201), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Aircraft in Fighting Squadron NINETEEN (VF-19), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Philippine Islands Area, 12 September and 24 October 1944. Participating in an escort to cover bombers in a mission against enemy airfields in the Philippine Islands, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Phillips boldly launched a relentless attack against two hostile aircraft and skillfully maneuvered his plane to shoot them down. When the air was clear, he heroically ran through intense anti-aircraft fire and made several low strafing runs upon this field, setting three more aircraft on fire. Again on 24 October, while flying a sector search during the Battle for Leyte Gulf, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Phillips flew unobserved down sun upon a Japanese plane and destroyed it. By his superb airmanship and expert marksmanship, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Phillips contributed materially to the success of his squadron during a period of sustained aerial activity. His gallant fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.