Apr. 21, 2022
LOCK HAVEN – On Tuesday, May 3, Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R-76) will be hosting a dedication and sign unveiling ceremony designating the bridge carrying State Route 1010 over Chatham Run in Pine Creek Township, Clinton County, as the Tech. Corporal Lee R. Phillips Memorial Bridge.
Made possible by Borowicz’s originally prime sponsored and unanimously adopted House Bill 26, which was signed into law as
Act 16 of 2021, the ceremony will take place next to the bridge, beginning at 10 a.m.
Shortly after earning his diploma from Lock Haven High School in 1944 and officially receiving his World War II draft notice, Phillips joined the Army and completed his training as a Technician 5th Grade (T/5) for the tank corps.
Upon arriving in Europe in October 1944, Tech. Corporal Phillips was assigned to the 3rd Army, Company A, 787TH Battalion where he drove tanks under the command of U.S. Gen. George S. Patton.
“Like most of America’s Greatest Generation, Lee Phillips was extremely humble and rarely spoke about his heroic service during World War II,” said Borowicz. “Perhaps Lee’s legacy can best be summarized through the inspiring words of his legendary tank battalion commander, Gen. George Patton, who said: “Wars may be fought with weapons, but they are won by men,” and “I am a soldier, I fight where I am told, and I win where I fight.”
Following the Battle of the Bulge, Phillips and his tank company performed mop up operations across Europe until Nazi Germany surrendered in May 1945. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal and AME Medal with one Bronze Service Star.
Discharged on Dec. 27, 1945, Phillips returned to his native Clinton County where he worked at Casslebury Motor Co. and later purchased Kline and Co., an auto parts and equipment company. Known as a strong man of faith, widely successful businessman, and for his enduring loyalty and tremendous generosity to his community, family and friends, Lee Phillips departed for his heavenly home at the age of 94 on April 7, 2020.
“It is my hope as people travel across this permanent reminder proudly displaying Lee Phillips’ name, that they will pause to reflect on not only his service and sacrifice, but the service and sacrifice of all our veterans,” said Borowicz. “May we always remember that our hometown military heroes are a major reason for America remaining the land of the free and the home of the brave.”
In addition to Borowicz, scheduled featured speakers will include state Sen. Cris Dush (R-25) and U.S. Congressman Fred Keller (R-12).
Residents of the 76th District interested in attending are encouraged to contact Borowicz’s Lock Haven district office at 570-748-5480 for more information.
Representative Stephanie Borowicz
76th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: 570.748.5480
RepStephanie.com / Facebook.com/RepBorowicz