John McPhillips, Jr. was born on June 4, 1913 to John and Elizabeth Chambers McPhillips who lived in Easttown Township, Pennsylvania.John Jr. was the second of four children. His father lived and worked on Westwood farms, a local cattle and horse ranch. John was known as a horseman.
John entered service in the Army July 2, 1943. After basic training, John was assigned to an infantry unit and sent overseas to the European Theater of Operations in December.
Private First Class John McPhillips Jr. was Killed In Action on April 12, 1945 in Germany.