In Memory of 1st Lt. Brian McPhillips

Written Paula Woodhull
THE MARINER / Abington Edition

            1st Lt. Brian M. McPhillips, U.S.M.C. A Scouts platoon leader, age 25, of Pembroke, Massachusetts was killed in action on Friday, April 4, 2003, in a battle with Iraqi forces south of Baghdad. The Department of Defense confirmed that McPhillips, a first lieutenant assigned to a tank battalion was one of three Marines killed during a firefight in central Iraq. He is the South Shore’s first casualty of the war.
            U.S. Marine 1st Lt. Brian M. McPhillips, a tanker officer with the Second Tank Battalion, died in hostile action as his unit made a push toward the capital city.
            In Iraq, McPhillips unit has been part of the 5th Regiment of the 1st Marine Division out of Camp Pendleton, California.
McPhillips joined the Marines in 1998. He was based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, serving with the 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division.
The fallen Marine was the beloved son of David and Julie McPhillips and the older brother of Carolyn "Carrie" McPhillips. He is the grandson of Ida C. McPhillips of Maynard, Massachusetts and Elizabeth M. Finigan of South Berwick, Maine.
            Brian grew up in Pembroke where residents "remember him for his piercing blue eyes." He played Little League baseball in town and was known as a volunteer counselor for Pembroke's summer recreational programs. He loved computers and designed web sites.
             Brian McPhillips was a 1996 graduate of BC High where he was known as a competitive athlete and a member of the Irish Cultural Club, the Racquetball Club and the Key Club, a student service organization. After finishing at BC High, Brian enrolled in Providence College, as a finance major, and graduated from Providence College - Class of 2000.
 "Tearful tribute to fallen soldier..."

A park bench in Pembroke in Brian's Honor

       The Metro South Detachment has taken the memory of Brian McPhillips and it will forever will be a part of this detachment. In the future this detachment will be named after Brian and a building will be erected with his name on it. It is Marines like Brian that keep America free and safe. The sacrifice he has made for this country shall not be forgotten!
    

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