Major Phillips was the pilot of an AU-1 Corsair attack fighter with the Marine Attack Squadron 212, Marine Air Group 12, 1st Marine Air Wing. On 14 August 1952, upon returning from combat, his engine failed during landing causing the aircraft to crash and burn.

Phillips was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.