The family of Robert Malcolm Phillips has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor this Hero for his service to this country. It will be our privilege to do so.
Robert Phillips was born on March 3, 1923 and passed away May 30, 2018.
Robert proudly served this country in the U.S. Army from February, 1943 and was honorably discharged September, 1945.
Robert landed on Normandy Beach as a paratrooper, fighting for several days before being captured by German forces as a Prisoner of War. During his captivity, he and his comrades were moved by rail cars with the intent of staying away from the Russian Army. During one of their movements, their captors forced them to don British uniforms, hoping to disguise their nationality. Waking up one morning, they realized their captors had vanished, leaving the POW’s able to head towards friendly American forces. At the time of his return to freedom, Robert was in poor health and weighed a scant 86 pounds.
After his service Robert graduated from Pomona College, with honors, to become one of the first one hundred licensed psychologists in California. Robert eventually joined Orange Coast College as an instructor and veteran’s counselor and held that position for 37 years.
Robert enjoyed telling of his wartime exploits and heroism to high schools, colleges, community groups and veterans organizations. He remained actively supporting both the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions. Robert also wrote his memoir “A Jump Into Hell”, which has been mentioned in numerous other books.
Robert was married to his wife, Barbara, for 65 years until her passing in 2012. Together, they produced the National Airborne Monthly Newsletter with stories of other servicemen in addition to helping write books for other veterans.
Robert is survived by his daughter, Lady Linda Sanchez.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran.
Time table for Saturday, June 23, 20181230: Stage at Fairhaven Memorial Park, 1702 Fairhaven Ave., Santa Ana, Ca 92705
https://goo.gl/maps/k1HLgUtg5DE2 (Please arrive quietly as services will be in progress. Stage near chapel located behind main office)
1300: Mission Briefing
1315: KSU to assigned grave site for Flag Line, Services & Military Honors
R/C: Tim Self (aka "Capt. Stealth")So Cal PGR Ride Captain
american_patriot21@yahoo.com
253-304-1833 cell
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
