Philip Marines US Navy USS Raleigh |
Philip was born on April 26, 1921, in Oakland, California. Graduated from Mt. Diable High in Concord, California. Enlisted in the Navy on February 14, 1940. Graduated with Co. 10-40 from boot camp in San Diego. Reported for duty aboard the light cruiser, USS Raleigh in Hawaii. He was awakened in his bunk at 7:55 a.m. on December 7, 1941, when a torpedo struck the cruiser at frame 58, flooding the engine room and No. 1 and 2 firerooms where he worked. The battleship USS Utah that was astern of the Raleigh was hit badly, they saw it list to the side and turn over. A dive bomber then hit the Raleigh with an armor piercing shell that went through the ship and exploded beneath her. She set down upright into the mud. They were very fortunate no one aboard lost their life. Her guns were active against the enemy aircraft during the first attack and were manned and ready at the end. Philip served aboard the Raleigh from 1940 to 1944. He attended Naval training school (oil burning), Naval and Turbine Laboratory, Philadelphia, PA. Achieved the rank of WT 1/C. He was assigned to the USS Flint 1944 1945; USS Amsterdam 1945 to 1946. Served in the South Pacific, the Alutians and Japan. Awards included American Defense (one star), Asiatic Pacific (six stars), American Area, Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Philippine Liberation (1 star). Was discharged on February 19, 1946. Married Rosalia Van Lith April 25, 1946. Had 2 children, son, Bruce and daughter Joyce. Retired as Supervisor of Operations after 37 years of service with Pacific Gas and Electric Co. Philip passed away January 7, 1998, was married almost 52 years, was a wonderful husband and father and we miss him everyday. Information provided by Rosalia Marines. |
