SCHMIDT PHILIP M

MAJ Philip M Schmidt was a potential VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 05/04/2015 at the age of 80.1
Sarasota, FL
Date of Birth 04/12/1935
Served in the U.S. Marine Corps
This information was provided by Sammie Williams

More detail on this person: Philip Morris Schmidt, April 12, 1935 - May 4, 2015. Philip Morris Schmidt was born and raised in Pittsburg, PA in 1935. While in high school, his family moved to Columbus, OH where he met his future wife, Emmy Wharff. Phil entered Ohio State University (OSU) where, besides attending to his studies and working as a salesman at Lazarus Department Store, he reignited his love of aviation. Phil then got his pilot's license and went into partnership to purchase his first airplane. He left Ohio State before graduation to enter the Naval Cadet Program in Pensacola, FL. Phil graduated as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps and was awarded his Naval Aviator Wings. He then entered the fleet at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, CA, where he also completed his undergraduate degree at California State University, Fullerton. While flying jets at El Toro, he had an engine failure and was severely injured bringing the airplane home. An event so noteworthy, it was featured in Life Magazine. During his convalescent leave over Christmas, 1958, Phil asked Emmy to marry him, for the 6th time, and she finally acquiesced. Phil transitioned from jets to helicopters at Pensacola Naval Air Station before deploying to fly combat missions in Vietnam. After 13 years of service as a Marine pilot, Phil returned to Columbus where he rejoined Lazarus Department Store as the Director of Executive Development. In the following years, Phil worked with several different retailers around the country, May Department Stores, Paul Harris, Emporium Capwell, and Bloomingdale's. He then joined startup company Tops Appliance City in New Jersey, retiring as President in 1999. Phil and Emmy then moved to paradise, as he called Sarasota, where he enjoyed boating, golfing, and wonderful friends. Phil is survived by his wife, Emmy, of 56 years; his children, Karen, Karl, and Kevin; his grandchildren, Kelly and Maximilian; and lovable companion, his dog, Molly. Phil often said that his most noteworthy achievement was his wonderful children and grandchildren, for which he attributes most of the credit to Emmy. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota or the Wounded Warrior Project. There will be a private family memorial service soon and an opportunity for Phil's friends to pay their respects on June 1 at 2 p.m. at the Sarasota National Cemetery.

Published in The Columbus Dispatch on May 10, 2015

This information was last updated 05/18/2016

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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024


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