December 23, 1945 — A Hopeful Future for Phil and Marilyn
December 23, 2025
My favorite Christmas video of all time — The Inn Keeper’s Dream
December 24, 2025
The day before Christmas, Phil and Marilyn flew on a military transport to Des Moines and spent Christmas with Marilyn’s parents. Her father and Phil had many war stories to exchange.[1]
During a private time in his study, drinking scotch and enjoying a fine Cuban cigar, Ray Fountain—a colonel who served under General George Patton in the Third Army—told Phil about how Patton ordered soldiers from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment to save the Lipizzaners and free over 150 Allied prisoners at the end of the war.
“General Patton, a well-known horse enthusiast, was aware of your secret mission,” Colonel Fountain said. “As far as I’m concerned, you deserve a medal for that, Phil. Too bad there isn’t some type of reward for your bravery.”
The rest of the evening, Phil and Marilyn snuggled in front of a massive Christmas tree and a roaring fire. On the mantle were stocking for every family member—including one with his name.[2]
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[1] Larimore, At First Light, 299.
[2] Larimore, At First Light, 299-300.
Learn more about my book about my father’s heroics and exploits at Amazon’s First Light page here. You can also read more of my WWII blogs here!
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December 24, 1945
