As we prepare for Memorial Day weekend, many who have lost family and friends in service to their country will reflect on their lives. Air Force Brigadier General Jim Demarest lost his friend in 1991, and he is on a mission have the Medal of Honor awarded posthumously to that airman, Captain Steve Phillis.
“The Medal of Honor recognizes those who go above and beyond the call of duty with conspicuous gallantry at the risk of life such that they clearly distinguish themselves from their comrades,” said Demarest as he shared the story of Captain Phillis’s heroic last acts.
Captain Phillis made a decision during a combat mission in Iraq to draw fire away from one of his fallen comrades who was parachuting away from his downed aircraft. That decision saved 1st Lt. Rob Sweet’s life, but cost Phillis his own.
Captain Phillis received the Silver Star for his actions, but General Demarest and others believe he deserves further recognition with the Medal of Honor.
To hear General Demarest tell the story of Captain Phillis’s heroic acts, listen to LIMElight on Memorial Day on WGRT.com or by downloading LIMElight with Jessie on your favorite podcast app.
You can also read the story in Air Force Magazine here:
Above and Beyond: The Fight to Upgrade One Airman’s Silver Star
Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand
