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Navy Federal Credit Union
William
J.
Philbin
1916-06-27

–

1978-02-04

Born:

Philadelphia

, 

Pennsylvania

Home:

Philadelphia

, 

Pennsylvania

Buried: 

Yeadon

, 

Pennsylvania

Cemetery:

Holy Cross Cemetery

William Philbin was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he attended West Catholic High School. His father, Patrick S. Philbin, an Irish immigrant, was a veteran of the Spanish-American War, serving in Cuba and then in the Philippine Islands, where in 1900 he earned the Distinguished Service Cross. After his military service, Patrick Philbin worked as a Philadelphia policeman for 14 years, and then for the Philadelphia post office. William Philbin entered military service during World War II, serving as a chaplain’s assistant to a chaplain of the 16th Infantry Regiment, with which he landed at Normandy, France, on D-Day, earning a Silver Star on the opening day of the invasion.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    16th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 6, 1944
    Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 45 (July 22, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant William J. Philbin (ASN: 33135490), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a Chaplain’s Assistant with Company L, 3d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Normandy, France, on 6 June 1944. 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.