George Philip (FFG 12) - Naval Cruise Book

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COAT OF ARMS USS GEORGE PHILIP FFG-12 BLAZON SHIELD: Azure, on a chevron wavy enhanced or a mullet of the first surmounted by a mullet argent, in chief two mullets ol the second and m base an anchor the shank terminatmg m a harb of the like entlarned proper CREST: On a wreath of the colors or and a ure enclosed by a wreath of laurel vert a fire bomb of the fust cnllamcd proper charge with a cross paty convexed azure MOTTO: On a scroll azure lined or the motto INTREPIDE IMPELLE (Fearlessly Fo rward) in gold letters SYMBOLISM SHIELD: Dark Blue and gold are the colors traditionally associated with the Navy and are symbolic of the sea and excellence. The stars represent three Pacific Island campaigns: The liberation of the Philippine Islands, the conquest of Iwo Jima, and the capture and occupation of Okinawa, during which Commander Philip commanded the USS TWIGGS (DD-591). The blue star, voided white, refers to the Silver Star awarded to Commander George Philip. Jr . for gallantry while serving aboard the USS O ' BANNON in the Solomon Islands. The Wavy chevron suggests thrust and movement from a strong base which characterized the Pacific campaigns. The barbed and entlamed anchor symbolizes naval firepower and alludes to the Navy ' s progressive sweep through the Pacific Islands during World War II. It further typifies the capabilities of guided missile frigates. CREST: The dark blue cross refers to the Navy Cross awarded to Commander Philip posthumously. He gave his life when his ship, the USS TWIGGS, was mortally damaged as a result of a combination torpedo and kamikaze attack otf Okinawa in June 1945. The fire bomb symbolizes military prowess. The laurel wreath symbolizes the victory in the Pacific for which Commander George Philip, Jr., gave his life and the great honor and respect he earned throughout his Naval career. SEAL The seal consists of the complete coat of arms in full color, blazoned within a blue oblong border The border, aicetl ,ii to ,uul base, is inscribed USS GEORGE PHILIP at top and FFG- 1 2 in base, in gold letters Enclosing the blue bonier is ,in outer edge of gokl conlimious rope

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( V CDR George Philip JR Ship ' s Namesake USS GEORGE PHILIP (FFG-I2) is named in honor of Commander George Philip Jr.. USN (1912-1945). Commander Philip assumed eommand of the Destroyer USS TWIGGS (DD-9.51 ) on April 6, 1944 and served in her with great distinction during the liberation of the Philippine Islands, the conquest of Iowa Jima and the capture and t)ccupalion of Okinawa during World War II. He was posthuinously awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism during 84 consecutive days of combat off Okinawa where he perished with his ship following a dusk attack b - enemy Kamika e aircraft on June 16, 1945.

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COMMANDING OFFICER Commander Christopher L. Wall ( liristiiphci 1. Wall was bdin in Pinchinsl. Noilh Camlina lie i]il-vv ii|i in Viii inia aiul alk-ndctl RaiKkilph-Macon Cullcgc where he received a Bachelor ol Arls in Aneienl (ireek and l.aliii in l ' »M He alleiulcil OIlKcr Candidate Seluml in Newport. Rhode Island and was ecinimissioned in October 1982. Commander Wall reported to USS AMERICA (CV-(i6) in April of ms.1 and served us an Engineering I5i ision OITicer ami Coinnuinieations Dn ision Officer until October of |ys(i when he left active duty and taught Latin at Varina High School in Richmond. Virginia Commander Wall reported to the USS SIDES (EEG- 14) as Chief Engineer after his return to active duty in 1988 as a Training and , dminisiration of Reserves Officer. In September 1990, he reported aboard USS SPARTANBURG COUNTY (l.ST-1192) as Chief l-ngineer. Ouring this time. SPARTANBURCi COUNTY participated in Desert Shield-Desert Storm. In 1992, Commander Wall served as Commanding Officer Naval Reserve Center Siou Cits, low.i where his center won the Sulney Fields .Xward as the best reserve c enter m the nation. He left Suhi Cits in I99. ' S to become the E eciili e Officer of the L ' SS KREDHRICK il.ST-l IS4l in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. In May 1997, Commander Wall reported to the staff of the United States European Coniniand, L ' SCINCEUR, Stuttgart, Gerinany as the Executive Officer of the Mobilization and Reserve Component Affairs Directorate. He attended the Naval War College in October 1999 where he received a Masters Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. His personal decoration.s include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. Joint Serv ice Commendation Medal. Navy anil Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and various campaign and service ribbons. He is married to the former Kalherine Degermajian of Worcester, M. ' and has three children, .Mec, George, and Katie ages 9,S, and 1.