Brig. General Jim “Boots” Demarest is on a mission to have the Medal of Honor awarded to fighter pilot Stephen Phillis, an unsung hero of the war in Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm. The last time an Air Force pilot was decorated with the medal was during the Vietnam War.

On February 15, 1991, A-10 pilot Captain Steve Phillis and his brand new wingman Lt. Rob Sweet were tasked with attacking Saddam Hussein’s elite Republican Guards Division. 

A surface-to-air missile was fired at Sweet’s plane and he had to eject over Republican Guard troops. Phillis took action to draw fire to his plane rather than at Sweet's parachute.  Ultimately, that action created a situation where Phillis was shot down and KIA.  He received the Silver Star for that action.  Now an effort is underway to have that upgraded to the Medal of Honor.  The Medal of Honor is the highest and most prestigious military decoration that can be awarded.

Demarest talks to host Jim Fausone about his academy friend, wing man Lt Sweet's capture and release and the grass roots effort (and how you can help) to have the Medal of Honor awarded to Capt Phillis.