George Frederick Phillips

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Machinist First Class George Frederick Phillips, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and uncommon valor in action in connection with the sinking of the U.S.S. Merrimac at the entrance to the harbor of Santiago de Cuba 2 June 1898. Despite heavy fire from the Spanish shore batteries, Machinist First Class Phillips displayed extraordinary heroism throughout this operation.

General Orders: War Department, General Orders No. 529, November 2, 1899

Action Date: June 3, 1898

Service: Navy

Rank: Machinist First Class

Division: U.S.S. Memphis