Samuel C. Phillips

Samuel C. Phillips
General Samuel C. Phillips
Nickname(s)	Sam
Born	February 19, 1921 Springerville, Arizona, U.S.
Died	January 31, 1990 (aged 68) Palos Verdes, California, U.S.
Place of burial	U.S. Air Force Academy
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Air Force
Years of service	1942–1975
Rank	General
Commands held	Air Force Systems Command
Battles/wars	World War II
Awards	Air Force Distinguished Service Medal NASA Distinguished Service Medal (2) Legion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross (2) Air Medal (8)

General Samuel Cochran Phillips (February 19, 1921 – January 31, 1990) was a United States Air Force four-star general who served as Director of NASA's Apollo Manned Lunar Landing Program from 1964 to 1969, the seventh Director of the National Security Agency from 1972 to 1973, and as Commander, Air Force Systems Command (COMAFSC) from 1973 to 1975.

Phillips was born in Springerville, Arizona, on February 19, 1921. He attended public schools in Cheyenne, Wyoming, graduating from Cheyenne High School in 1938. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wyoming in 1942, and a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan in 1950. He was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. During his summer break in 1940, he earned his private pilot license.

He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, Infantry, after completion of Reserve Officers Training Corps and graduation from the University of Wyoming. He then entered active military service, transferred to the Army Air Corps, attended flying school and earned his pilot wings.