PHILLIPS, Russell Allen - WWII - Putnam

Mr. Russell Allen Phillips, 82, formerly of LaPorte, Indiana died on Friday Dec 18, 1998 in Alpharetta, Georgia.  Mr. Phillips graduated from Purdue University in 1940.  In World War II, Mr. Phillips was the pilot of a US Army Air Corps B 24 Bomber.  During a search and rescue mission in the South Pacific, his aircraft lost power in two of its engines and Mr. Phillips was forced to crash into the Pacific. Only Mr. Phillips and his bombardier, Louis Zamperini survived the crash.  After floating for 47 days and 2000 miles in the Pacific Ocean, the two men were captured by the Japanese. They were made prisoners of war for 2 ½ years until liberated at the end of the war. The raft experience was the longest float recorded in US military records. Both men were awarded military honors.  While in LaPorte, Mr. Phillips was a math and science teacher He was a Mason for 50 years.  Mr. Phillips is survived by Cecy, his beloved wife of 43 years; his son, Chris and daughter, Karen; two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Martha.  The memorial service on December 22, 1998 was officiated by the Rev. Suzanne E. Duffield at the Episcopal Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in Marietta, Georgia.  A memorial service in LaPorte is planned for a later date.  Louie E. Jones Funeral Home.

Note: Enlisted 7 Nov 1941 discharged 30 May 1946

Source: Princeton Daily Clarion Wed 14 Jan 2014 p A1 (note: old clipping included about him)

Allen Phillips, who is en route home from the Phillippines after being liberated from a Japanese prison camp, has been advanced from 1st lt. to the rank of Captain, according to word received by his mother, Mrs. Russell Phillips of West Spruce street. Before being captured by the Japanese, Capt. Phillips was shot down in the Pacific in May 1943 and with Lt. Louis Zamperini spent 47 days on a life raft, drifting to the Marshall Islands. His mother has learned that in March 1944 he was moved to Zentsuzi, the best of the Jap prison camps where he remained until released. He says that he never missed a meal in this camp and kept up his normal weight.