United States Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Phillip Andrew Jordan was born on April 20, 1960, in League City, Texas. His early life was marked by hardship when he lost his mother in a tragic accident as a young child and later his father when he was a teenager, experiences that shaped his resilience and independent spirit. Jordan grew into a standout athlete, playing football and excelling in sports throughout high school, where his physical stature and competitive nature made him a natural leader among his peers.

After overcoming a personal battle with Hodgkin’s disease, Phillip answered a deeper call to serve his country and joined the United States Marine Corps in 1987 at age 27. His commitment to the Corps was lifelong; he embraced the Marine ethos of honor, courage, and commitment with zeal. Throughout his career, Jordan moved through the ranks, ultimately earning the position of Staff Sergeant and becoming a respected leader and mentor to countless Marines.

During his 15 years of service, Staff Sgt. Jordan served in major operations across the globe. He fought in Operation Desert Storm during the First Gulf War, where he saw action as part of the Marine Corps’ contribution to liberating Kuwait. He later participated in operations in Kosovo and other peacekeeping and conflict missions, bringing seasoned experience and steady leadership to every assignment. At one point in his career, he also served as a drill instructor at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, shaping the next generation of Marines with discipline, skill, and dedication.

Phillip was beloved by his fellow Marines and was often affectionately nicknamed “Gump” — a reference to the iconic movie character — because of his relentlessly upbeat attitude, generosity, and genuine kindness. He was known as the kind of Marine who would always step forward to lift others up, give guidance, and make those around him better.

In March 2003, as part of the opening phases of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Staff Sgt. Jordan was deployed with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, based out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. On March 23, 2003, near An Nasiriyah, Iraq, enemy forces engaged his unit, and Jordan’s position came under heavy small-arms, mortar, and rocket fire. While bravely leading his men and resupplying mortar ammunition under fire, he was struck by enemy fire and lost his life while serving at age 42, becoming one of the first Connecticut service members to fall in the Iraq War.

Staff Sgt. Jordan’s actions that day exemplified the Marine Corps’ highest values — courage under fire, leadership in adversity, and concern for the welfare of his Marines above all else. For his bravery and sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, the third-highest U.S. military decoration for valor, as well as the Purple Heart and other honors recognizing his service and sacrifice.

Phillip was more than a Marine — he was a devoted husband to his wife Amanda Jordan and a loving father to their son Tyler, who was six years old at the time of his father’s passing. Family was central to his life, and his pride in his son and devotion to his loved ones was evident to all who knew him.

In the years since his passing, the community of Enfield and the state of Connecticut have continued to honor his memory. His name is engraved on local veterans’ memorials, and community traditions remember his service, sacrifice, and character each year. The baseball fields at the Veterans Memorial Athletic Complex in Enfield were dedicated in part to his honor, showing the enduring respect his fellow citizens hold for him.

Dates:
• Birth: April 20, 1960 — League City, Texas
• Angelversary: March 23, 2003 — An Nasiriyah, Iraq

Service & Achievements:
• United States Marine Corps Staff Sergeant, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
• Veteran of Operation Desert Storm, Kosovo, and Operation Iraqi Freedom
• Served as drill instructor at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island
• Silver Star (posthumous), Purple Heart (posthumous)

United States Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Phillip A. Jordan’s life was one of sacrifice, leadership, and service — a legacy carried by his family, his Marines, and the countless communities that continue to remember and honor him.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.