WAR STORIES

Phillip E. Sorenson

S/Sergeant, Aerial Gunner

6/22/1924 -12/26/1999

Phillip was born and raised in San Francisco, California.  He was the youngest of 4 brothers.  His mother died shortly after Phil was born leaving his father and 3 big brothers to care for him.

A doctor erroneously diagnosed Phil with tuberculosis when he was a small boy so his father took him to the mountains to get some fresh air and recover.  They lived there for quite a while and Phil always had fond memories of living in the mountains with his father.

Later they moved to Oroville, CA where Phil attended high school.  Here he had the opportunity to play on the school football team.

He was later drafted into the service.  After the basic training he found himself stationed in England serving with the 8th Air Force.  Technical Sergeant, Phillip Sorenson received an Honorable Discharge from the US Army Air Force, November 19, 1945.  His decorations/citations include: American Theater Ribbon, EAME Theater Ribbon with 1 Silver Star, 2 Overseas Bars, Good Conduct Medal and a Victory Medal.

As an Air Force Reserve, Phil served in the Korean War from 4/1/51 to 12/27/52 as a Tech Sergeant in the 513th Bombardment Squadron.

Phil and a woman by the name of Betty are introduced by friends in 1950 and marry January 26, 1952 in Betty’s hometown of Chicago.

Phil and Betty start their new life together in the San Francisco Bay area.  Phil worked as an accountant as did Betty, however at separate companies.

The following letter was sent to Phil’s wife, Betty Sorenson in December 1954 from a fellow crewman on the B-17 he was shot down in.  It reads:

Dear Mrs. Sorenson,

By way of introduction might I say my name is Larry O’Connor and I formerly served with Phil in the service.

Today I received a card from you and Phil and I decided I had better not put off answering same.

I have not seen Phil in a long time, Mrs. Sorenson, but the association I had with him in the service was most pleasant.  Phil will call the following a lot of “bunk”, but during the day we were shot down.  Phil in no way was lacking in courage.  During our prison camp days we lived together for ten months before leaving on a forced march of some 88 days.  During that time, Phil showed his “true colors”, and they make you mighty proud of him.  Under conditions you cannot imagine, Phil and his good friend Frank O’Connell were at their best.  Not a selfish grain in either one of them.

I’ve told many people about Phil and Frank and when I read about various unselfish acts performed by certain people, my thoughts always wander back to Phil and Frank as being the epitome of unselfishness.

I can hear Phil now saying “that guy O’Connor is crazy”.

Believe me, Mrs. Sorenson, I’m not, as I was an eye witness to the acts of Phil and Frank.

I may never see either you or Phil, but long ago, I should have written to tell you what your husband was like during some mighty unpleasant times.

If Phil says this is a lot of nonsense, tell him it may be, but he’ll never convince Larry O’Connor.

Very Sincerely,

Larry O’Connor

Unfortunately Phil and Larry lost touch with each other some time later.

Phil and Betty eventually buy a home and start a family.  In May of 1956, Betty gives birth to their only child, a son they name Steve.

In the early years of their marriage, Phil enjoyed fishing, working on the house and playing with his son.  He later replaced that past time with golf.

Phil began his career with PG&E as an accountant in January 1954.  He retired after 33 years in March 1987.  He enjoyed his long career at PG&E where he met many wonderful people he called his friends.

After retirement Phil and Betty settled in Danville, California.  He liked working on his yard and spending time with his friends and family.  Golf remained one of his favorite past times over the years.  He found it fun and challenging.  Phil and his son Steve usually played at Stanford and Contra Costa Country Club.

Phil was a very loving, and generous man with a great sense of humor.  He is sorely missed but fondly remembered.

Copyright © 2008 by The 390th Memorial Museum Foundation