Phillip Martin Rasmussen

Obituary

I am become a name;

For always roaming with a hungry heart

Much have I seen and known - cities of men

And manners, climates, councils, governments,

Myself not least, but honored of them all, -

And drunk delight of battle with my peers,

Far on the ringing plains of windy Troy.

I am a part of all that I have met.

Ulysses Alfred, Lord Tennyson



Philip Rasmussen, 87, of Ft Myers, FL, passed Saturday, April 30th. Philip, born to parents who immigrated from Denmark, attended Gettysburg College. Upon graduation, he joined the US Army Air Corps and became one of the few fighter pilots who rose to the air during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. He served, with distinction, as a fighter pilot in the Pacific Front for much of the war.

He made the military a career until retirement in 1965 as Chief of Operations, Eglin AFB. During his career he had several assignments in the Pacific, Europe and the middle East, and climbed to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Philip was awarded the Silver Star (2), Distinguished Flying Cross, other military awards, and was recognized by several foreign governments for his achievements.

Upon retirement, Philip moved to Ft. Myers where he became an avid golfer, generous gardener and noted watercolorist. Many of his paintings are hinging in private collections, the Cyprus Lake Country Club, local business, etc.

Philip was predeceased by his wife, Betty. He is survived by his three children, Philip, Michael and Ann, three grandchildren, Bryan, Matthew and Michael, two great grand daughters, Audrey and Harper, and his present wife Jean.

Please send remembrances to Hope Hospice of Fort Myers.