Sidney Phillips facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sidney Clarke Phillips, Jr.
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| Nickname(s) | Sid |
| Born | September 2, 1924 Mobile, Alabama, US |
| Died | September 26, 2015 (aged 91) Mobile, Alabama, US |
| Buried |
Pine Crest Cemetery, Mobile, Alabama
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| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1941–1944 |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Unit | How Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Other work | Physician, writer |
Sidney Clarke Phillips, Jr. (born September 2, 1924 – died September 26, 2015) was a brave U.S. Marine. He also became a family doctor and a writer from Mobile, Alabama. Sid, as he was known, shared his amazing stories about fighting in World War II's Pacific War.
His memories helped create important films. These included the Ken Burns documentary The War and the HBO miniseries The Pacific.
Contents
About Sid Phillips
Early Life and School
Sidney Phillips was born in Mobile, Alabama, on September 2, 1924. He was the second child in his family. He had an older sister, Katharine, and a younger brother, John.
His father was a teacher and later the principal of Murphy High School. Sid graduated from this high school in 1941. He was good friends with Eugene Sledge since childhood.
Serving in the Marines
After finishing high school, Sid joined the U.S. Marine Corps. He was only 17 years old. He enlisted on December 8, 1941. This was the day after the Attack on Pearl Harbor. His parents had to give their permission for him to join.
Sid served with the 1st Marine Division. He fought in some very tough battles. These included the Guadalcanal Campaign and the Battle of Cape Gloucester. He was an 81mm mortarman. This means he operated a type of weapon called a mortar.
Life After the War
After his time fighting overseas, Sid returned home. He decided he wanted to become a doctor. He went to Spring Hill College to study. Then he went to medical school. He became a family physician.
Sid married Mary Houston in April 1946. His best friend, Eugene Sledge, was his best man. Sid and Mary had three children together. They were married until Mary passed away in 2000.
Sid Phillips helped share the stories of Marines. Eugene Sledge's family introduced him to the writers for the TV shows. He provided important details about what life was like for Marines in battle. This information was used for the miniseries The Pacific.
Sid's Passing
Sidney Phillips passed away on September 26, 2015. He was 91 years old. He is buried in Pine Crest Cemetery in Mobile, Alabama.
See Also
- John Basilone
- Robert Leckie
- Eugene Sledge
