Memorial

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T/Sgt Phillip F. Sawyer enlisted in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on 26 July 1940.
"The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Technical Sergeant Phillip F. Sawyer (ASN: 18002358), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 406th Infantry Regiment, 102d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 19 November 1944, in Germany. During an attack on enemy positions, an assaulting platoon was pinned down by intense enemy machine gun fire. The men were unable to move because of the open terrain and the fierceness of the enemy fire. Technical Sergeant Sawyer demonstrated the highest type of leadership in coolly estimating the situation and quickly taking action against the obstacle in the pat of the advance. He charged headlong at the enemy emplacement with both rifle and bayonet. He was shot while attacking the enemy position, and continued to draw enemy fire, but his great courage carried him on. Technical Sergeant Sawyer killed 3 enemy soldiers in the hostile position and three more were forced to surrender. Technical Sergeant Sawyer was in the act of directing his prisoners when one of them, having concealed a grenade in his hand, threw it killing Technical Sergeant Sawyer instantly. Technical Sergeant Sawyer's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 102d Infantry Division, and the United States Army. General Orders: Headquarters, Ninth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 30 (1945)"