George Frederick Phillips

He braved Spanish fire to block the harbor at Santiago, Cuba

George Frederick Phillips was born on March 8, 1862, in Saint John, New Brunswick. He served in the United States Navy and was a machinist first class aboard USS Merrimac during the Spanish-American War.

On June 3, 1898, Phillips took part in the sinking of Merrimac at the entrance to Santiago de Cuba harbor. Spanish shore batteries subjected the operation to heavy fire. His Medal of Honor citation recognized his extraordinary heroism throughout the mission.

Phillips received the Medal of Honor and attained the rank of chief machinist. He died on June 4, 1904, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and is buried at Fernhill Cemetery in Saint John. His award connects his New Brunswick roots with distinguished service in the U.S. Navy.

Medal of Honor Citation

In connection with the sinking of the U.S.S. Merrimac at the entrance to the harbor of Santiago de Cuba, 3 June 1898. Despite heavy fire from the Spanish shore batteries, Phillips displayed extraordinary heroism throughout this operation.