Phillip Dean Vollmann was born in Chicago, IL, the only child of Harold Charles Vollmann and Helen Jones Vollmann, on Oct 26, 1931.

 

Phil came to West Point with a strong academic background, including a stint at Lake Forest College in Illinois. He embraced the curriculum at West Point with strength of purpose and was a proud member of M-2 all four years as he prepared for his military career. After graduation from the Military Academy, he did graduate work at Ohio State.

 

In fencing, cadet Phil’s expertise with the foil and epee were legendary among his classmates. It was a real treat to attend fencing matches in the old gym and to watch Phil defeat nearly every combatant he faced. Most fencers never rose to the level achieved by Phil, and his personality, leadership traits, and ability were rewarded with being named captain of the fencing team.

 

After graduation Phil opted to join the Air Force and served the nation with distinction. Phil was not only an engineer with diploma in hand from the Military Academy but excelled in the arts as well. He was chosen to teach at the USAF Academy in the English Department. This was a distinct honor, and he spent two years there as a professor. The next few assignments, stints at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois followed by assignments with the 375th Medical Airlift Wing, passed quickly. He was also director of operations of an airlift command in Thailand, and in 1963 he was assigned to the 48th Air Transport Squadron in Hawaii.

 

Leadership qualities continued to mark Phil with distinction after his retirement from active duty in 1976. As a civilian, he served as a staff officer for the governor of Alberta, Canada. He moved back to Hawaii in the late seventies and renewed his friendship with Peggy, whom he married on Dec 19, 1980.

 

Again, academia called him, and he returned to the classroom as a professor at Hawaii Pacific College.

 

One of Phil’s most exciting tours of duty was his service in Denmark as an Air Attaché. His preparation was thorough and complete. He applied himself eagerly to the task, and (after a year of intense language school preparation) this M-2 man headed for Copenhagen and the American Embassy. He served the nation in that capacity from 1972-75. As we know, our country sends only their best to be posted in critical positions in foreign nations. Denmark had a great man when Phil was posted there.

 

Classmates in the military often find each other and cross paths as they travel from one assignment or duty to another. Old stories are retold and embellished while new ones are added to the memory book. There are many stories of ’54 graduates meeting Phil at the Air bases to which they travelled—whether it was Ramstein AFB in Germany or Scott AFB in Illinois. Whenever we met Phil, he had a warm welcome for each of us.

 

This man was always a stalwart member of company M-2, and, as their motto states, "Above the Rest," the best was expected from them. Phil lived that motto. He truly applied himself to the task at hand, and his final product was the best! When M-2 decided to erect a larger-than-life bronze statue of Hannibal at our fiftieth reunion, Phil was one of the very first to come forward and offered to help fund this beautiful monument. His leadership encouraged many others to do likewise and eventually it was completed. The project was a grand success. Like every member of M-2, Class of 1954, Phil Vollmann’s name is on the bronze plaque that is a permanent part of the monument honoring this great mule mascot that served the Corps of Cadets for many years.

 

Phil’s association with M-2 was a special part of his life. He made the reunions to be with his companymates and class comrades throughout the years. He shared with us his great interests.

 

He also pointed out the pleasures and joy of living in the Aloha state. His love for Hawaii is witnessed by his request that his ashes be scattered over that state’s Kaneohe Bay.

 

Phil’s Air Force career was focused on multi-engine aircraft such as the C-54. Besides transport of cargo, this plane carried dignitaries and highly placed military staff. Dozens of variants of the C-54 were employed in a wide variety of non-combat roles. All this was part of Phil’s daily routines, and he met the challenge of each mission with a dedication that assured success.

 

No salute to this graduate would be complete without inclusion of his beloved wife Peggy. She has and will always continue to be an integral part of the M-2 family. The joy they had in each other was a true romance. It was evident that Peggy was the highest priority in Phil’s life.

 

Phil Vollmann was called to be a military man and he responded with a commitment worthy of the highest praise. Grip Hands. Be Thou at Peace.

 

—Peggy M. Vollmann, wife and his M-2 companymates.