The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Captain William Kearney Phillips (NSN: 0-17173), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Aide and Chief of Staff to Commander Cruisers, United States Pacific Fleet, and Commander Destroyers, United States Pacific Fleet, during the period from 12 August 1944 to 3 November 1945. By his exceptional resourcefulness, persevering initiative, and outstanding good judgment in coordinating the multiplicity of staff activities incident to the administration of approximately eight hundred combatant ships, Captain Phillips was of inestimable assistance to the Type Commander in integrating the functions and services of the combined Type Command with the vigorous and unrelenting prosecution of the war by cruisers and destroyers of the Pacific Fleet. Endowed with extraordinary foresight, acute professional comprehension, and dynamic force, his consummate administrative skill materially contributed to the ultimate discharge of the responsibility by the Type Commander during a period of constant change and rapid growth. An instinctive leader of men, his magnetic personality and sympathetic understanding were strong factors in maintaining the continued high morale of the officers and men, the Staff and personnel of the ships administered by the Type Commander. Captain Phillips’ professional competence, personal integrity, and stout-hearted devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on him. His meritorious conduct and outstanding service were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Silver Star
Service:
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U.S.S. Oakland (CL-95)Action Date:
November 27 – December 10, 1943
Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 01891 (May 14, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain William Kearney Phillips (NSN: 0-17173), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commander Sound Screen of a Carrier Task Group, and as Commanding Officer, U.S.S. OAKLAND (CL-95), during the period from 27 November to 10 December 1943. On the night of 4 – 5 December, subsequent to air attacks by United States Naval aircraft on Kwajalein, his ship was ordered to take station to destroy enemy aircraft attempting to trail the Task Group. For seven hours Japanese aircraft were in the vicinity, and for more than five hours persistent aerial torpedo attacks were made against our forces. Throughout this period, his ship repeatedly, and effectively fired upon attacking aircraft causing them to withdraw. The aggressiveness and effectiveness with which the gunfire of the OAKLAND was employed was an inspiration to our forces. The efficiency and determination of the personnel under his leadership were indicative of the ability, and devotion to duty of the Commanding Officer. His performance of duty throughout these operations was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
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CaptainDivision:
U.S.S. Oakland (CL-95)Action Date:
June 6 – August 8, 1944
Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0464 (September 25, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain William Kearney Phillips (NSN: 0-17173), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. OAKLAND (CL-95) and Commander Screen of a Task Group during the operations for the support of landings in the vicinity of the Marianas, strikes against the Bonins and operations against major units of the Japanese Fleet in the battle of the Philippine Sea, destruction of a Japanese convoy, and bombardment of Chi Jima Harbor, during the period 6 June 1944 to 8 August 1944. His brilliant seamanship and excellent manner in which he handled the screen, which was directly under his command, were responsible for the effective protection of the Task Group. His courageous leadership was reflected not only in his own ship but also in every unit of the Task Group screen and at all times his conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Phillips is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainDivision:
U.S.S. Oakland (CL-95)Action Date:
November 18 – 26, 1943
Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 01891 (May 14, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain William Kearney Phillips (NSN: 0-17173), United States Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession while in Command of the U.S.S. OAKLAND (CL-95), during the action for the occupation of the Gilbert Islands, 18 to 26 November 1943. The Task Group of which the U.S.S. OAKLAND was a part, maintained its position within easy bombing range of enemy bases for eight days and was twice under attack by enemy torpedo planes. One of these attacks was pressed home to close quarters in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire from our ships, but only one of our vessels was damaged. His courage and intelligent leadership not only brought his own ship through safely, but materially contributed to the defense of the entire Task Group and the success of its mission. His actions were in accordance with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Admiral [then Vice Admiral]Action Date:
February 1954 – August 1, 1955
Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 1791 (April 19, 1957)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral [then Vice Admiral] William Kearney Phillips (NSN: 0-17173), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States between February 1954 and 1 August 1955. During this period, Admiral Phillips served with great distinction as Commander FIRST Fleet. In Indochina, a geographical area of political and civil turmoil, where our allies were suffering heavily from communist military subversion, Admiral Phillips, by his astute professional judgment, zeal and his outstanding personal leadership, contributed in a great measure to the stabilization of the area. In February 1954 in response to unexpected, urgent message orders received at sea off San Francisco, Admiral Phillips with his operational staff proceeded by air to the South China Sea. There he assembled, trained and operated his fleet, including a carrier striking force, which in the eyes of the communist aggressor provided a strong deterring force, and which led to a slackening of the internationally tense situation in Indochina. This fact and the high state of combat effectiveness achieved by the forces under his leadership were amply demonstrated on 23 July 1954 when his ships and planes were called upon to conduct rescue operations of the passengers of a civilian airliner shot down by communist planes off the coast of Hainan. Within minutes his planes were airborne and rescue ships dispatched. Intervention by communist planes resulted in the prompt shooting down of two of these planes by Admiral Phillips’ Task Force and prevented interference with this humanitarian rescue operation. This one incident alone was a great morale booster to our allies. Throughout the entire period of his service as Commander FIRST Fleet, Admiral Phillips exhibited inspiring leadership, outstanding initiative, and a thorough display of professional competence. His distinguished service reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.