Phillip Henry Clark was in A Company, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, while serving in the Vietnam War.

Phillip was born on February 22, 1946, and died on March 4, 1966, just after turning 20 years old. He was a resident of Wisconsin Rapids, proudly serving his country. He died in South Vietnam from small arms fire, and his body was recovered.

Phillip was a much cherished person in his family, loved by everyone, especially by his Aunt, Marcia Coller Oleson. In her eyes, he was just like a brother, and he was always looking out for his family and friends. He kept a very close relationship with his aunt by doing many activities with her, even going to dances with her just to “boogey down” together. While Phillip was in the service, they still kept close by writing letters back and forth. Phillip would have his aunt write letters to his friends because they didn’t receive much mail. In his last letter to her, Phillip wrote “If God wants me to come home, I would be home.”

Phillip died in what was called “Battle of My Phu”, a very deadly engagement with enemy soldiers.

Phillip felt like the Vietnam War was his duty to keep our country safe, once again selflessly looking out for the welfare of others. He was very proud of our country and what it stood for. While in the service Phillip made many friends from many different places. He was the kind of guy that would take a bullet for his buddy, and his friends relied on him to have their back at all times, which he always did. Phillip was a great person to his family and friends and will always be remembered in their hearts.

Written by: Dylan Shanahan, East Junior High School