08-R157

2008 -- H 8152

Enacted 04/09/08

H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

COMMENDING HOSPITAL CORPSMAN FIRST CLASS CHRISTOPHER R. PHILLIPS ON BEING AWARDED THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL

Introduced By: Representatives Murphy, Williamson, Serpa, Carter, and Menard

Date Introduced: April 09, 2008

     WHEREAS, The House of Representatives deems it fundamental that all the men and

women who wear the uniform of the armed services know that they are appreciated and never far

from our thoughts and prayers; and

     WHEREAS, HM1 (Aviation Warfare/Surface Warfare) Christopher R. Phillips has once

again brought to our forethoughts the immense courage and tremendous sacrifices made by

members of the United States Military; and

     WHEREAS, Leaving a family who loves and cherishes him, Petty Officer Phillips

enlisted in the United States Navy in December of 1998. After completing his basic training, he

attended Naval Hospital Corps School, graduating in 1999, and the Naval Operational Medicine

Institutes Aerospace Medicine Technician "C" School, where he was awarded the Naval Enlisted

Classification HM8406 upon completion; and

     WHEREAS, During Petty Officer Phillips’ first tour of duty he was assigned

responsibility for the health and well-being of 300 squadron personnel at a Naval Air Facility in

Atsugi, Japan; and

     WHEREAS, Upon completion of his first tour of sea duty, Petty Officer Phillips

transferred to Electronic Attack Squadron 209, where he was delegated the duty of maintaining

the overall health and readiness of over 400 squadron personnel. As the only Hospital Corpsman

serving with Electronic Attack Squadron 209, Petty Officer Phillips was deployed twice in

support of Operations Northern Watch and Enduring Freedom; and

     WHEREAS, Returning from his second tour of sea duty, Petty Officer Phillips attended

Field Medical Service School and was awarded the NEC HM8404. He then transferred to the

Naval Hospital at Bremerton, and served as the Leading Petty Officer, directly responsible for

almost seventy-five junior Sailors; and

     WHEREAS, Volunteering for a fifteen-month tour as an Individual Augmentee, Petty

Officer Phillips was assigned to support the Global War on Terrorism with the Provincial

Reconstruction Team in Farah, Afghanistan. He provided direct support on over 150 missions,

resulting in zero American fatalities, and coordinated various medical operations and health care

teams; and

     WHEREAS, While serving with the Embedded Tactical Training Team in Farah, Petty

Officer Phillips’ utilized every aspect of his training, intellect and valor when time after time,

with total disregard for his own safety and life, he came to the aid of soldiers in need under

unimaginably dangerous circumstances; and

     WHEREAS, During a particularly difficult mission, Petty Officer Phillips responded to

the need of his fellow servicemen by positioning his vehicle to provide cover for a wounded

Afghan National Police Soldier. He then exited his vehicle in order to carry the soldier to safety,

and administered the necessary lifesaving techniques while under enemy fire; and

     WHEREAS, While still under fire, Petty Officer Phillips repositioned his vehicle to gain

fire superiority, established a collection point for casualties, and “rendered life and limb”

providing medical attention to five wounded ANP casualties. Without his efforts and assistance

on July 6, 2007, at least two of his patients would most probably have lost their lives. He was

awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat distinguishing device for his courage under fire,

leadership, example of professionalism, commitment, and selfless warrant; and

     WHEREAS, Petty Officer Phillips’ heroic actions and personal sacrifices have honored

and enriched the lives of all Americans. He is eminently worthy of our recognition and praise,

and we are proud to commemorate his visit to the Rhode Island State House; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives hereby thanks Petty Officer Christopher

R. Phillips for safeguarding our freedoms and liberties through his courageous actions and

service, and congratulates him on being awarded the Bronze Star Medal. We wish him good

health and happiness, and we have every confidence that his future will be filled with

achievement and success; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Petty Officer Christopher R. Phillips.

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LC02755

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