Philip E. Labadie Jr. always had a heart to serve others. Born in Ecorse, Michigan and raised in Lincoln Park, Michigan, Phil was the oldest of twelve siblings. His love for the Boys Scouts of America started at age 11. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout and was recognized with the St. George award following 75 years of service.
Phil enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1959 and served 21 years. Initially stationed at Offutt Air Force Base and working as a Civil Engineer, Phil met Mary Ann Race and they were married in 1961. Phil and Mary had five children.
From October of 1968 to October of 1969, as the Vietnam War escalated, Phil served his first tour of duty as a Civil Engineer at Bien Hoa Air Force Base in South Vietnam.
When Phil returned back to the U.S., he was stationed at Westover Air Force Base in Springfield, Massachusetts. It was here that Phil made a career change from Civil Engineering to becoming a B-52 D Tail Gunner. The Tail Gunner was positioned in the rear of the aircraft and operated four 50 caliber machine guns. His main responsibility was to shoot down any approaching enemy fighter jets.
After training, Phil served in Guam and Thailand, where the B-52 Bomber Bases were located. From those locations, Phil flew 101 bombing missions over Vietnam.
Between December 18, 1972, and December 29, 1972, Phil flew three missions during Operation Linebacker II, the largest bombing raid in history over Hanoi, the capitol city of Vietnam. Operation Linebacker II was the final major military operation carried out by the U.S. during the Vietnam war. Phil’s aircraft narrowly escaped two surface-to-air missiles. One missile was within a foot of the aircraft and Phil could see the markings and feel the force of the missile as it passed by his canopy window. Operation Linebacker II was a success, even though some B-52s did not make it home, including one of Phil’s closest friends and fellow B-52 Gunner.
Phil returned back to the U.S. in 1973 and was eventually stationed at Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda, Michigan until his retirement from the military in 1980 as a Master Sergeant.
During his career Phil has been decorated with many combat medals including a Distinguished Flying Cross, for single acts of heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.
After his retirement from the military, Phil moved his family back to Nebraska, where he served 19 years with the U.S. Postal Service in Bellevue.
Proud of you Dad! You are a real American hero and I’m proud to call you my father.