On Thursday, May 30, 1946, Memorial Day[1], Phil had his first ceremonial and a small team were assigned to meet President Harry Truman at the White House for a Medal of Honor presentation.[2]

Afterward, the President invited Phil and Ross to ride with him to Arlington National Cemetery for a wreath- laying ceremony at the Tombs. Phil had never seen a United States president before, so this day, especially riding in the presidential limousine, was a highlight for him.

Phil later wrote this to his mother:

As you know, we were quite busy on the 30th   and the day before. We were with the President, so we had to look our best. I enjoyed the pomp and circumstance.[3]

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[1] From 1868 to 1970, Memorial Day was celebrated on May 30. The Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved its date to the last Monday of May to increase the number of three-day weekends for federal employees.

[2] Larimore, At First Light, 318.

[3] Ibid.

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December 24, 1945M