An Oral History of Gen. Samuel C. Phillips, USAF (retired)

General Samuel C. Phillips former commander of the Air Force Systems Command has had one of the most interesting and varied careers of any of the Air Force pioneers. Beginning in World War II and ending in the maturing days of military space in the mid-1970s, the General's career has involved him in some of the nation's most important undertakings. As a former fighter pilot, General Phillips helped return Europe to normalcy in the early days of post-war occupation times. He helped develop the B-52 as an armament lab member. He helped negotiate an early international arms agreement in the late 1950s. He fathered the Minuteman and Apollo programs. He commanded the Space and Missile Systems Organization and the Air Force's System Command. His honors include the General Thomas White Space Trophy, Frances Croix de Guerre, and Korea's Order of National Security Merit.

Interviews were conducted by Lt. Col. J.B. Kump, Director of Public Affairs Space Division