MELVIN C. PHILLIPS, LTJG, USN
Melvin Phillips '43
Lucky Bag
From the 1943 Lucky Bag:
MELVIN CLYDE PHILLIPS
Manchester, New Hampshire
Although usually quiet and reserved, but determined as the solid granite of his native Green Mountains, Mel would argue with everyone on any subject. And usually you could be sure he was right. Activities of the Math and Radio Clubs took much of his time. Plebe year, he was a member of the small bore rifle team. Every spring, when not on the sub squad, he could be found at the baseball field, earning his "N" as manager. He was a diligent worker on the Lucky Bag staff. When not writing to his O.A.O. in Vermont, Mel, a star man, could be found more than willing to aid his less savvy classmates.
He was commander of 16th Company for the first set, was manager of the baseball team, and was a member of the Lucky Bag staff.
The Class of 1943 was graduated in June 1942 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.
MELVIN CLYDE PHILLIPS
Manchester, New Hampshire
Although usually quiet and reserved, but determined as the solid granite of his native Green Mountains, Mel would argue with everyone on any subject. And usually you could be sure he was right. Activities of the Math and Radio Clubs took much of his time. Plebe year, he was a member of the small bore rifle team. Every spring, when not on the sub squad, he could be found at the baseball field, earning his "N" as manager. He was a diligent worker on the Lucky Bag staff. When not writing to his O.A.O. in Vermont, Mel, a star man, could be found more than willing to aid his less savvy classmates.
He was commander of 16th Company for the first set, was manager of the baseball team, and was a member of the Lucky Bag staff.
The Class of 1943 was graduated in June 1942 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.
Loss
Melvin was lost when USS Grayback (SS 208) was sunk by Japanese aircraft on February 26, 1944 south of Okinawa.
Other Information
From researcher Kathy Franz:
Melvin attended Waitsfield High School for three years and then graduated from Montpelier seminary in 1937 as salutatorian. He won the University of Vermont scholarship; the bronze plaque for the highest academic ranking, and the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for science and mathematics. He attended the University of Vermont for two years and was a member of Delta Psi.
He attended submarine school at New London, Connecticut.
His mother received a silver insignia pin with three gold stars indicating that Melvin had made four or more successful patrols on the Grayback.
From the Class of 1943 anniversary book "25 years later…":
Mel was born in Moretown, Vermont on 11 November, 1919. He was appointed from Vermont and entered the Academy on 15 June, 1939. After graduation he stayed on at the Academy in the Executive Department until September when he reported for submarine training in New London which he completed in December 1942. Mel proceeded to the Submarine Force Southwest Pacific where he joined the submarine USS GRAYBACK in April 1943. He qualified in submarines on 31 January 1944, and conducted four successful war patrols aboard GRAYBACK. On the submarine’s return from the East China Sea on her tenth war patrol, she was discovered on the surface by a Japanese carrier based aircraft which made a direct hit that caused the submarine to explode and sink immediately with all hands. Mel received the Bronze Star Medal for an earlier patrol. The citation reads:
For heroic service as Torpedo Data Computer Operator of a United States Submarine during an aggressive War Patrol. Efficiently and with outstanding technical skill, Lieutenant Phillips provided a continual flow of vital, accurate information which was of invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer, thereby contributing materially to the success of his vessel in sinking and damaging an important amount of enemy Japanese shipping, including an auxiliary cruiser. Lieutenant Phillips's courageous conduct and steadfast devotion to duty under extremely perilous conditions were an inspiration to the officers and men with whom he served and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
In addition, he wore the Purple Heart Navy Unit Commendation Medal, American Area Campaign Medal, American Defense Service Medal with Fleet Clasp, and the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal. He was survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Clyde George Phillips who at Mel's death lived at Moretown, Vermont.
His parents were listed as next of kin. There is a cenotaph to his memory in South Duxbury, VT.
Discovery of Grayback
In 2019 USS Grayback was found near Okinawa. Previous expeditions to locate her final resting place had been unsuccessful because of a mistake in translating the attacking aircraft's report.
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