Army Sergeant Major Philip Robert Albert was born on August 21, 1962, and raised in the Terryville section of Plymouth, Connecticut. From his earliest days, Phil was shaped by family, community, and an abiding sense of duty. Inspired in part by his father’s own Army service during the Vietnam era, he chose to enlist in the United States Army at age 18, beginning what would become a distinguished and decorated military career that spanned more than two decades.
Phil’s early years in uniform were defined by hard work, rapid learning, and a commitment to excellence. Throughout his career he served in a wide range of assignments, both in the United States and overseas. His first major operational experience came during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, where he served in the Gulf War, gaining firsthand combat experience and further honing his leadership and infantry skills.
As the years passed, Albert’s reputation grew. He was known among his peers and Soldiers for his deep understanding of infantry tactics, his ability to teach and mentor at all levels, and his calm, steady presence under pressure. His assignments took him to multiple duty stations where he led, trained, and advised Soldiers, always emphasizing standards, discipline, and care for those under his charge.
By the early 2000s, he had risen to the rank of Sergeant Major, the highest enlisted rank in the Army. In that role he became a principal adviser to commanders, charged with shaping unit culture and ensuring the welfare, readiness, and performance of Soldiers. Assigned to 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, New York, he was widely respected for his ability to balance operational demand with genuine concern for his Soldiers’ development and well-being. His knowledge of infantry operations, logistics, and troop leadership made him an invaluable asset to the battalion.
When the Global War on Terror expanded to Afghanistan, Sgt. Maj. Albert deployed with his unit to support coalition operations in difficult, mountainous terrain. He carried out his duties with the same discipline and commitment that had marked his entire career. His focus was always on ensuring that his Soldiers were prepared, informed, and confident in executing their missions, and that they returned home safe to their families.
On November 23, 2003, Sgt. Maj. Albert was aboard an MH-53M Pave Low helicopter supporting combat operations in northeastern Afghanistan when the aircraft crashed shortly after departing Bagram Airfield. He was 41 years old. He and four other American servicemen lost their lives in that crash, a sudden and tragic end to the life of a Soldier whose career had been defined by courage, leadership, and sacrifice.
Throughout his 22 years of service, Sgt. Maj. Albert received numerous awards that testified to his valor, service, and leadership. Among his decorations were the Bronze Star Medal, recognizing heroic or meritorious achievement in combat zones, and the Purple Heart, awarded for wounds received in action. He earned the Combat Infantryman Badge, reflecting his direct participation in ground combat operations, and was decorated with multiple service medals and unit awards accumulated over his long career.
Beyond medals and ribbons, Phil’s legacy was most deeply felt in the Soldiers he led and mentored. Fellow Soldiers remembered him as a teacher who never stopped investing in others, a leader whose calm under pressure steadied those around him, and a friend whose humor and humanity made even the toughest moments bearable. He was the kind of NCO who prepared Soldiers not just for battle but for the responsibilities of life beyond the uniform.
Phil was more than a Soldier’s Soldier; he was a devoted son and a man rooted in the values of integrity, loyalty, and service. In Terryville and throughout the Connecticut veterans community, his name remains synonymous with the highest traditions of the United States Army.
Sgt. Maj. Philip Robert Albert was laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery, interred among fellow servicemen, a reminder of the profound cost of leadership and sacrifice. His memory lives on in the units he shaped, the Soldiers he trained, and the nation he served with honor.
Dates:
Birth: August 21, 1962 – Angelversary: November 23, 2003
Service & Achievements:
• Enlisted in the U.S. Army after high school and served for 22 years
• Career Infantry Senior Non-Commissioned Officer, culminating in the rank of Sergeant Major
• Served with 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division
• Veteran of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan
• Decorated with the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, and multiple service awards
CONNECTICUT VETERANS BULLETIN’S GALLERY OF VALOR.
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https://ctvetsbulletin.org/connecticut-veterans-bulletins-gallery-of-valor/
