Dorothy Boyd-Phillips

Dorothy Mae Boyd-Phillips

Born: September 25, 1932

Died: February 7, 2015

United States Air Force

Korean War

Dorothy Mae Boyd-Phillips was born in Boston, Massachusetts. She graduated from Roxbury Memorial High School and shortly after enlisted in the United States Air Force and served in the Korean War as a Communications Specialist. As a celebrated Korean War Veteran, Boyd-Phillips continued to serve her community when she returned home. She had 40 years of active membership with the William E. Carter Post #16, American Legion where she held over 11 positions in the post and served on many committees throughout the years.

In addition, Boyd-Phillips served as District 7 Suffolk County Commander (1998-1999) and Commander in the Chief of Veterans Day Parade (1998-1999). She was the first Female Legionnaire to join the 60 Plus, Veterans Group, Roxbury, MA. Additionally, Boyd-Phillips was the first Black female from Massachusetts, 20/4 Honor Society of Female Veterans American Legion (1982- 1983) and the Legionnaire/Auxiliary Member to hold three top positions in three consecutive years with each one overlapping the other: Suffolk County Commander, Suffolk County Auxiliary District #7 Director, and 8/40 Departmental, Massachusetts Salon #35 Chapeau. Other positions she held include, past Department Executive Committeewoman, Charter Life Member, National Assistant Sergeant At Arms (1982-1983), Salt Lake City, Utah, National Post Activities Chairman, (1982-1983), National Pouvoir Elect 8/40 La Boutique Des Huit et Quarrente Femmes, American Legion Auxiliary (2001-2002).

Boyd-Phillips is the Recipient of the African-American Lifetime Achievement Award from the City of Boston, awarded on February 27, 2003. She is the recipient of a Certificate of Appreciation Honoring Women of Color in the Armed Forces from the City of Medford, awarded on February 28, 2002, and the Recipient of a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition of Outstanding and Invaluable Service from the City of Medford for Black History Month, February 28, 2002.

Years following her military service, Boyd-Phillips graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Computer Science from Bunker Hill Community College. She never stopped serving her community and worked with Veterans returning to college at the University of Massachusetts Office of Veterans Affairs until her retirement.