Captain Phillip Arthur Wilheit

Our Hometown Heroes

Phillip Arthur Wilheit

Received the Navy Cross for his WW2 Heroism

Born on October 23, 1916, Phillip Arthur Wilheit would become a Captain in the United States Marine Corps.Capt. Wilheit would see action in the Pacific Theater during World War II.

Wilheit was killed in action over Cape Glouchester, New Britain, New Guinea the day after Christmas, December 26, 1943. For his heroic actions, Captain Wilheit was awarded the Navy Cross in 1945. He is buried in Westover Memorial Park in Augusta, Georgia.

Although Wilheit did not come home alive, a community now honors the World War II, Marine Captain. An individual plaque will be installed in Historic Downtown Griffin to honor the Hometown Hero. The plaque is sponsored by an anonymous donor who wants to thank all those who served our country in the military.