Reuben J Phillips

On episode three hundred and fifty, the story of Reuben J Phillips is told. All stories in September and October will be recipients from the Boxer Rebellion Be sure to visit our website for more information as the show goes on at: www.talesofhonorpodcast.com. Thanks for listening and be sure to share with friends and family!

Reuben was born on the 28th of July, 1874, in Cambria, California, and he enlisted in the US Marine Corps nine days before his 24th birthday at Mare Island, California. Two years later he was deployed to China in support of the Boxer Rebellion and it was his actions as a Corporal that would earn him the Medal of Honor. The citations reads:

In action with the relief expedition of the Allied forces in China during the battles of 13, 20, 21 and 22 June 1900. Throughout this period and in the presence of the enemy, Phillips distinguished himself by meritorious conduct.

Reuben received his Medal of Honor on the 19th of July, 1901 and he was a Sergeant when he was discharged from the Marines on the 21st of July, 1903. He was married to Eleanor and they had two children, Dorothy and Walter. Reuben Jasper Phillips died on the 8th of February, 1936 at the age of 61 and he is buried with his wife in the San Francisco National Cemetery in San Francisco, California: Section OSD, Site 3.