Private First Class Thomas F. Philipsky
1938 Horicon High School Graduate Private First Class Thomas F. Philipsky of Horicon, Wisconsin, is honored as the city’s first World War II casualty—a devoted son, athlete, and serviceman whose life story remains an inspiration to his community.
Early Life:
“Tommy” Thomas F. Philipsky was born on December 19, 1920, in Horicon, Wisconsin. He was the seventh of ten children born to John A. Philipsky and Kathrin M. Traxler, both Hungarian immigrants who settled in Dodge County after marrying in Hungary around 1904. His father, John (born June 24, 1865), worked as a laborer in an automobile factory and as a carpenter after emigrating to the United States in 1907 and becoming a naturalized citizen in 1912. His mother, Kathrin (born October 18, 1880), emigrated in 1909 and was also naturalized in 1912, passing away in 1935. Thomas had two older brothers, four older sisters, two younger brothers, and one younger sister, growing up amidst a large and industrious family. He attended Horicon High School, where he distinguished himself as a football player and track athlete, and became a prominent member of his 1938 graduating class.
Military Service
Thomas enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces around 1940. After completing his training, he was assigned to the 22nd Materiel Squadron at Hickam Field, Oahu, Hawaii, working as an aero-mechanic supporting aircraft maintenance and operations. His letters home from training and service reflected pride, determination, and deep affection for family and friends. Thomas embodied the values of camaraderie, service, and resilience throughout his career as a serviceman.
Pearl Harbor and Ultimate Sacrifice
Thomas Philipsky is a victim of the Japanese Raid on Hawaii: Killed In Action, December 7, 1941
On December 7, 1941, PFC Thomas Philipsky was killed in action during the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor at Hickam Field. He was among the first Wisconsin service members to fall in the war, posthumously earning the Purple Heart Medal for his sacrifice and courage during the attack. Initially interred in Hawaii, his remains were reburied at Oak Hill Cemetery in Horicon in 1948, a ceremony deeply attended and remembered by the local community. Pvt. Philipsky was one of seven men form Horicon stationed at Pearl Harbor.
Legacy and Remembrance
Thomas Philipsky’s legacy is preserved in Horicon’s history as a symbol of patriotic sacrifice and youthful promise. His service number was 6915458. The tributes from classmates, family, and friends—both in his lifetime and posthumously—express the indelible impact of his life. His story, chronicled in letters and local newspapers, continues to resonate with new generations dedicated to honoring those lost at Pearl Harbor and in defense of freedom everywhere.
VFW Voss-Philipsky Post 8057 in Horicon, Wisconsin, was named after Philipsky.
Private First Class Thomas F. Philipsky exemplified the courage and dedication of Wisconsin’s World War II servicemen and is eternally remembered for his ultimate sacrifice.
★ Purple Heart ★ World War II Victory Medal ★ American Campaign Medal ★ Army Presidential Unit Citation ★ Army Good Conduct Medal ★ Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
A letter from Son to his father:
Thomas writes to his father under the date of November 16 from New York having met Alex and James in the Fort, and tells an interesting tale of army life for the raw recruits. The letter follows:
November 16, 1939
Dearest Dad,
I finally got a chance to write you a letter. I am in Fort Slocum, New York. It’s an island with a Fort on it. A swell place, dad. I left Milwaukee Tuesday evening and got in New York Wednesday evening. We didn’t see much of New York because we rode in a subway and it was at night but in all it was a great trip. Then they took us in a boat to the island, only a short way out and we put up the night.
The next day, today, we were examined and vaccinated and inoculated; I passed all of it. The fellows are swell here dad, all friendly and everyone is a clean and respectable fellow. They have to be. I met a swell boy in Milwaukee and we sort of stuck together all the way. I also met James Macheel and Alex Gierach, both of whom will leave for Hawaii with me for training at Schofield Barracks. The way I heard so far we might not leave for Hawaii until Dec. 27. I don’t know for sure.
We got our uniforms and clothes today, they sure give us a lot of good clothes. I haven’t done anything yet but they say you very seldom do much unless you disobey, but I don’t intend that. We get up at 5:30 and have breakfast at 6:05. I can’t tell you what we do the rest of the day because I haven’t had a regular day yet. I’ll know more about that next time I write.
They have many pastimes here, they have bowling alleys, pool halls, rooms to read and listen to the radio and they have good shows almost every night. Of course there’s a charge for this but it is quite small. You tell Mr. Hobi to look out when I get back because I’m likely to do a lot of bowling here. The meals are good, they give you enough to eat and good food too.
So far I’ve liked it well and I’m sure I’ll like it the rest of the way. Of course I get a spell of homesickness once in a while but things are always moving and something is happening to keep a person occupied. Of course 3 years will never make me forget home, but I won’t let it interfere with my work.
We get free stationery at the YMCA building so I’ll never have an excuse for not writing. I hope things are all swell with you which I am quite sure they are. Say hello to my friends and thank Mr. Neill again and all the people who were so good to me out there. I’ll write again dad after we get straightened out and after more things start to happen. Thanks a lot dad for making this possible for me, I’ll always appreciate your kindness.
Love,
Your son,
Tom.