Decades later, WWII veteran receives medals

By Cortney Casey
C & G Staff Writer

STERLING HEIGHTS — It was a case of better late than never for Philip Foss, an 84-year-old veteran who finally received his World War II medals Aug. 19 — 63 years after earning them.

Calling Foss “a true American hero,” U.S. Rep. Candice Miller, R-Harrison Township, presented him with the Good Conduct medal, American Campaign medal, European-Middle Eastern Campaign medal with one Silver Star, World War II Victory medal, Army of Occupation medal with the Germany clasp, Honorable Service lapel button and sharpshooter badge with multiple bars during a Sterling Heights City Council meeting.

Foss accepted the accolades, encased in a shadow box, as several friends and relatives looked on and audience members and city officials gave him a standing ovation.

While it’s crucial to recognize contributions of modern-day troops, said Miller, “it is equally as important that we … continue to honor those who have provided similar service in previous conflicts for our nation as well.

“Honor knows no time boundaries,” she said. “You are today the same brave American patriot who served our nation so honorably in the great crusade, as described by Gen. Eisenhower.”

City Council members also presented a resolution to Foss, recognizing his service.

Foss was 18 and living in Maple Rapids, Mich., when he forfeited his senior year of high school to enter the U.S. Army in 1942. After basic and field training stateside, he headed overseas in 1944.

While in England, Foss — enticed by the possibility of “adventure” and an additional $50 per month “jump pay” — volunteered for the 82nd Airborne Division and, after whirlwind training, became a paratrooper.

“In a way, sometimes, since then, I wish I would have had sense enough to stay where I was at,” he said.

Among those who jumped as part of the Utah Beach landing on D-Day, Foss participated in five major battles during World War II, including in Normandy, the Ardennes, the Rhineland and central Europe. He was a technician fifth-grade when he was discharged from the Army in 1945.

“I feel very fortunate that I was able to come home from overseas,” he said.     

Though Foss made it back alive, he wasn’t without battle scars. He lost 30-40 percent of his hearing, which he said stemmed from the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944-January 1945. He also “banged up his knees,” and years later — in 1990 and 2000 — needed knee replacement surgery, he added.

Born in Whitmore Lake, Foss has lived throughout the state over his lifetime. He moved to Sterling Heights in 2003. He is active with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4659 in Shelby Township and with LIFE — Lowrey is Fun and Easy — a group that plays organ at parks and events, as well as for homebound senior citizens.

Foss said he’s “had really a pretty decent life.” The only tragedy he’s suffered, he said, is the loss of most of his family; the only relatives who remain are two grandsons and his great-grandchildren. However, he said he has many “dear friends” who have become like family over the years.

Following his discharge, Foss was told there weren’t enough medals made for him to receive them immediately. Over the years, he attempted to obtain them multiple times, but was always told he lacked sufficient information.

Frustrated, Foss turned to Miller’s office for assistance. A few weeks ago, he learned that Miller and her staff had secured his long-awaited medals.

“I feel very good about it, due to the fact that I will have something I can leave to my grandsons, and I know that they will appreciate having them,” he said.

Because he earned a Silver Star, which recognizes gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States, Foss said some people consider him a hero. But he disagrees.

“I don’t consider myself a hero,” he said. “The ones who should be considered heroes are the ones who didn’t make it.”

The medals aren’t the only recognition Foss received belatedly. In 2001, after Gov. Jennifer Granholm declared World War II veterans who had left school to enter military service eligible for high school diplomas, Foss sought his and received it from Comstock High School.

You can reach Staff Writer Cortney Casey at ccasey@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1046.