Don Carina Novel




   Authors Bio

   Plot

   WWII Naples

   Out-Takes

   WWII Heroines

   Mafia Films

   Top 10 WWII Films

   Peace Not War

   Artwork
Female Heroes of WWII     Novels/Screenplays    Meet The Author    Home

Claire Phillips - Heroine of WWII

Claire Phillips
DOB/DOD: December 2, 1908 Died: May 22, 1960
NATIONALITY: American
BACKGROUND: actress, singer, guerrilla leader, war hero
ALIASES/NICKNAMES: Dorothy Fuentes, a.k.a. High-Pockets
WANTED BY: Japanese Army
YEARS OF SERVICE: 1942-1945
RANK: Civilian
OBJECTIVE/MISSION: Philippines
OUTCOME: Using her nightclub, she extracted secrets from Japanese officers and secretly smuggled supplies to American prisoners and eventually captured before eventually being captured and tortured by the Japanese
HONORS: Presidential Medal of Freedom, recommended by General Douglas MacArthur

Claire Phillips: A WWII Heroine in the Philippines

Introduction

Claire Phillips, born Clara Rosetta Soper on April 8, 1907, in Oregon, USA, is a remarkable figure in the annals of World War II history. Her extraordinary courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the Allied cause during the war earned her the nickname "The High Pockets" and made her a symbol of bravery in the Philippines. This dossier delves into the life and wartime experiences of Claire Phillips, shedding light on her incredible contributions and the indomitable spirit that defined her legacy.

Early Life and Background

Claire Phillips' early life was marked by adversity and the pursuit of a better future. She grew up in Oregon during the Great Depression, a period of economic hardship for many. At a young age, she displayed a sense of independence and determination that would later prove invaluable during her wartime experiences.

As a teenager, Claire moved to Los Angeles, California, seeking employment opportunities. There, she worked various jobs, including as a waitress and nightclub singer, to support herself. Her life took a fateful turn when she met and married a U.S. Army Air Corps officer, John "Red" Phillips. Their marriage led Claire to the Philippines, where she would eventually become entangled in the tumultuous events of World War II.

Life in the Philippines During WWII

When World War II erupted in the Pacific in 1941, Claire Phillips and her husband were living in the Philippines, which was then a U.S. colony. The Japanese Imperial forces swiftly invaded the Philippines, subjecting the local population to harsh occupation. Red Phillips, Claire's husband, was taken as a prisoner of war (POW) by the Japanese.

Claire found herself in a perilous situation, with her husband imprisoned and the threat of Japanese scrutiny ever-present. Despite the danger, she resolved to aid the Allied cause and provide support to her fellow countrymen and women.

Espionage and Resistance Operations of Claire Phillips In WWII

Claire Phillips embarked on a daring and dangerous path of espionage and resistance against the Japanese occupiers. She operated under the codename "High Pockets" and established contact with local guerrilla forces, working as an intermediary between the Philippine underground resistance and the U.S. military.

Claire Phillips' operations in the Philippines during World War II were marked by her willingness to put herself in harm's way for the greater good. Her actions were instrumental in gathering intelligence from Japanese officers, coordinating resistance efforts, and providing solace to those affected by the Japanese occupation. Her courage and resourcefulness remain a shining example of the incredible sacrifices made by individuals who fought against tyranny during the war.

The Establishment of the "Canteen": Claire Phillips created and managed the "Canteen," a nightclub in Manila, which served as a front for her espionage activities. Her Club Tsubaki became the hotest club in the Phillipines. The sexy fan dances and glittery floor shows accomplished there purpose. As the nightclub's singer and hostess, she used her position to establish contacts with Japanese officers and other patrons. The Canteen became a pivotal gathering place for American and Filipino POWs, as well as resistance members.

Gathering and Transmitting Intelligence: Claire risked her life to collect critical intelligence about Japanese military movements, supply routes, and strategic plans. She maintained a network of informants and used coded messages and secret channels to pass on this vital information to the Allied forces. Her intelligence-gathering efforts were instrumental in shaping Allied strategy in the Philippines.

Smuggling Messages and Supplies: Claire Phillips was actively involved in smuggling messages, documents, and supplies into Japanese internment camps where POWs were held. To bypass Japanese censorship and surveillance, she employed ingenious methods such as sewing messages into clothing and concealing them in food packages. These messages served as a lifeline for prisoners, providing them with hope and vital information.

Coordinating Resistance Activities: Claire played a central role in organizing and coordinating resistance activities against the Japanese occupation. She helped unite disparate resistance groups, arranged sabotage missions, and distributed supplies to resistance members. Her role as an intermediary between various factions within the resistance was pivotal in creating a unified front.

Feigning a Relationship with a Japanese Officer: To protect her identity and move freely within Japanese-occupied areas, Claire Phillips entered into a fake romantic relationship with Major Masaharu Homma, a high-ranking Japanese officer. This relationship allowed her to access sensitive information and continue her espionage work undetected.

Providing Moral Support: Claire went beyond her espionage activities to provide essential moral support to those living under the harsh conditions of Japanese occupation. Her presence at the Canteen, where she sang songs of hope and courage, offered a brief respite from the hardships of war and captivity, boosting the spirits of POWs and resistance members.

Maintaining Her Cover: Claire's ability to maintain her cover and avoid suspicion was nothing short of remarkable. She operated in an environment where discovery could have resulted in her immediate capture and execution. Her adaptability and acting skills were vital components of her success in espionage.

Claire Phillips' operations in the Philippines during World War II represent a shining example of bravery, resourcefulness, and dedication to the Allied cause. Her courage in the face of extreme danger, coupled with her ability to gather intelligence, coordinate resistance efforts, and provide solace to those affected by the Japanese occupation, make her an enduring symbol of heroism during one of the darkest periods in history.

Personal Sacrifices and Courage

Claire Phillips' work as a spy and her role in the resistance came at great personal risk. The Japanese authorities suspected her activities, and her life was constantly in danger. To protect her identity, Claire even went as far as to feign a romantic relationship with a Japanese officer, Major Masaharu Homma, which allowed her to gather critical information while maintaining her cover.

After 2 years of espionage activities, Claire Phillips was eventually arrested by the Japanese, imprisoned and tortured. However, she remained steadfast, resisted revealing her operations and she was eventually liberated by American forces.

Her husband, Red Phillips, remained imprisoned by the Japanese throughout the war. Claire's unwavering determination to survive and continue her efforts was fueled, in part, by her hope of reuniting with him after the war's end.

Recognition and Post-War Life

When the war finally ended in 1945, Claire Phillips' bravery and sacrifices were widely recognized. She received several commendations for her wartime contributions, including the Medal of Freedom and the Medal for Merit from the United States government.

After the war, Claire was reunited with her husband, Red Phillips, who had survived his time as a POW. They returned to the United States, where Claire continued to be recognized for her wartime heroism. Her story became widely known, and she was celebrated as a symbol of courage and resilience.

Legacy and Impact

Claire Phillips' legacy is one of remarkable courage and dedication to the Allied cause during one of the darkest periods in history. Her wartime experiences exemplify the extraordinary sacrifices made by individuals who risked their lives to combat tyranny and uphold the values of freedom and justice.

Beyond her wartime heroism, Claire's story also highlights the vital role played by women in espionage and resistance efforts during World War II. Her determination and resourcefulness in the face of immense danger serve as an inspiration to all who learn about her life and contributions.

Claire Phillips' story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the capacity of individuals to make a profound impact on history. Her unwavering commitment to the Allied cause, her selflessness in the face of danger, and her dedication to the principles of freedom and justice make her a true heroine of World War II. Her memory continues to inspire and honor those who, like her, risked everything to fight against oppression and tyranny.


Home | Contact Information