Born in Ruby, Washington 1st Lt Walter Phillips studied Commerce during his time at Oregon Agricultural College. While serving with the Army’s 1st Aero Squadron, 2nd Division, on 1 Oct 1918 “an order was issued from headquarters to spot enemy artillery which was shelling our troops. Two planes were dispatched, one with Lieutenants Fox and Philips, the other piloted by Lieutenant McCormick and Gunner Joseph Farnham. Both planes crossed German lines then split up to observe enemy troop positions. Lts Phillips and Fox encountered four German planes and, being hopelessly outnumbered, were shot down. The two men were reported as missing in action and it wasn't until December 7th that their deaths were confirmed” (Find-a-Grave). He was shot down over Varennes, France. In 1940, the Ashland High School football field was officially named Walter A. Phillips Field. The sign over the main gate was added just prior to the first game in 1958. He was survived by his mother and five siblings.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/55966862
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