James R. Phillips jr
| Era | Desert Shield / Desert Storm |
|---|---|
| Branch | U.S. Air Force |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Military Decorations | Awards for Valor or Meritorious Service |
| Wall | J |
| Wall Side | 3 |
| Row | 4 |
| Plaque Number | 36 |
MEDALS-RIBBONS: Meritorious Service w/3 OLCS, Aerial Achievement w/1 OLC, Air Force Commendation w/OLC, Air Force Achievement w/1 OLC, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Air Force Outstanding Unit w/3 OLCs, Combat Readiness W/3 OLCs, National Defense Service w/Star, Armed Forces Expeditionary, SW Asia Service w/Star, Armed Forces Services, Overseas Short Tour, Overseas Long Tour, Longevity Service with OLC, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship, Air Force Training, NATO, Kuwait Liberation (Kuwait)
Colonel James R. Phillips, Jr., grew up in La Jolla CA, graduating from La Jolla High School in 1972. Afterward, he attended the US Air Force Academy graduating in 1976.
Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant he attended Pilot Training reaching the top of his class and was selected to fly fighters. His first fighter, the A-7D Corsair II was followed by the A-10 Warthog and finally the F-117 Stealth Fighter. Throughout his flying career, he amassed over 3,600 hours in these single-seat fighters. He was qualified as an Instructor Pilot and Flight Examiner in each fighter—and was also a graduate of the Air Force Fighter Weapons Instructors School. He was then selected to command one of only three Stealth Fighter Squadrons.
Amongst his flying career, he squeezed in 2-years in the Pentagon working for the Secretary of the Air Force and 3-years at NATO at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe as Chief, NATO Force Plans overseeing Allied readiness and alliance commitments. Of significance, he personally led a team of international officers to negotiate the entry of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary into NATO, the largest expansion of the Alliance since its founding!
Besides his Bachelor of Science Degree from the Air Force Academy, he also earned two graduate degrees along the way, attended the Air Force Air Command and Staff College, and is a graduate of the Army War College.
In 2003, Colonel Phillips retired from the Air Force after 27 years serving his country—his last day on active duty he flew with F-117 squadron mates on one final sortie.
Plaque Wall Map
