He died in his Mobile home at 91.
As one of Mobile's beloved veterans, Phillips was well known for his profiles in Ken Burns' "The War" and Steven Spielberg's HBO series "The Pacific."
He was honored by the state of Alabama in 2010 for his contributions during World War II and his outstanding bravery.
"Those World War II vets, they never went to be a hero. They went because their country asked them to," then-Governor Bob Riley said. "Thank you for being the role models for my generation and the next, and thank you for those sacrifices."
Phillips' father was a principal at Murphy High School.
His son graduated from Murphy and went on to join the Marines at just 17 in 1941.
Post military, he attended Spring Hill College to become a physician.
A gallant gentleman and warrior. Rest in Peace.
