U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions (R-Dallas) has presented military awards to Raymond Phillips, a World War II veteran from Dallas, Texas who finally received the seven medals he earned during his service to our nation over 60 years ago. 

“Raymond Phillips represents the best of America with his unwavering patriotism, strength of character, and service to our nation,” stated Sessions. “In the 1940s, he joined a generation of courageous men and women in sacrificing for the victory of liberty and the defeat of tyranny and oppression. While belated in delivery, the medals Mr. Phillips has now received express the sincere gratitude of our nation for his exceptional military service in World War II.”

In 1943, Mr. Phillips began serving in the military at the age of 18. Assigned to the 88th Infantry Division, he served in three campaigns in Italy during WWII, including his last assignment there in Bolzano, Italy—the headquarters of the The Schutzstaffel Nazi Military organization. During this assignment, he was responsible for watching over war prisoner Karl Wolfe, the head of The Schutzstaffel in Italy. Following his service in Bolzano, Raymond was a member of the 5th Army Orchestra until he was honorably discharged on December 31, 1945.

The District Office of Congressman Pete Sessions worked with the United States Army to issue the following awards to Raymond Phillips:
• Bronze Star Medal—a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service
• Good Conduct Medal
• American Campaign Medal
• European-African-Middle Easter Campaign Medal with 3 bronze stars
• World War II Victory Medal
• Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award
• Honorable Service Lapel Button for World War II.

Congressman Sessions presented the medals to Mr. Phillips during the Park Cities Town Hall Meeting, held at Highland Park High School on Thursday, May 29 at 7pm. In the spirit of a true patriot, Mr. Phillips humbly stated,“The real heroes are the guys who didn’t make it home.”

“I am very grateful for the privilege of recognizing Mr. Phillips’ outstanding service, and I am pleased that my congressional office worked successfully with the U.S. Army to secure the medals and ensure their belated delivery to a WWII hero. I thank Mr. Phillips once again for his commitment to our nation and wish him the best in the coming years,” Sessions concluded.