Woolrich bridge named in honor of the late Lee R. Phillips
Photo courtesy Clinton County Tourist Agency
From staff reports
WOOLRICH, PA – It’s official: The Tech Corporal Lee R. Phillips Memorial Bridge now spans Chatham Run in the village of Woolrich.
The bridge was renamed for the deceased World War II veteran through a state resolution from 76th District Rep. Stephanie Borowicz. Some 50 people, family of Phillip’s, friends and dignitaries gathered for the Tuesday dedication.
Rep. Borowicz called Phillips “an unsung hero of America…a humble man who has left a lasting legacy through his community service and generosity.” She also noted that he would not have wanted this type of recognition but said that he very much deserved it.
Other speakers included Sen. Cris Dush, Congressman Fred Keller, Clinton County Commissioner Angela Harding, who spoke on behalf of the Lock Haven Kiwanis Club, and one of Phillip’s long-time friends, Wayne Allison.
Dush said bridge dedications such as these are necessary to recognize “the dedication of people like Lee, who served our country….so that people remember the sacrifices that have been made.”
Keller said, “Lee served our nation with distinction. The work we do today could not be done if not for people like him.”
Harding said the honoree was a 60-year member of the Kiwanis Club of Lock Haven and at the time of his passing was the oldest living member. She said he was always sharing, and he and his wife Maddie “will be remembered in our community because of their generosity to the Clinton County Community Foundation which, in turn, supports many community organizations.”
Fellow Kiwanian Allison said his and Phillip’s friendship spanned over 50 years. He said the dedication recognized a man who lived his life “below” the radar, but answered the call to service for his country, was a successful businessman and benefactor in the community, and was a leader whose goal was to make the community a better one.
The Jersey Shore Honor Guard presented the colors, and Clinton County Veterans Affairs Director Jennifer Hagaman welcomed everyone.
According to information provided by Borowicz’s office, 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.
Following the Battle of the Bulge, Phillips and his tank company performed mop up operations across Europe until Nazi Germany surrendered in May 1945.
A Howard native, Phillips passed away at the age of 94 on April 7, 2020.
