Phillip J. Del Torto was born on 07 November 1916 in Bronx, NY. He was the son of Italian immigrants Sebastian and Incorohato Del Torto and moved with the family to Yonkers at a young age. Phillip had three brothers and three sisters. He was graduate of Saunders Trade school and was employed as a house painter, living at 886 McLean Ave. Phillip joined the U.S. Army Air Force in November of 1942.

Phillip attended various technical, gunnery and flying schools before being sent abroad. He was assigned to the 401st Bomber Squadron, 91st Bombardment Group (Heavy) "The Ragged Irregulars" and sent to Bassingbourn airfield in England. Bassingbourn became the "flagship" United States Army Air Force station of the 8th Air Force. Technical Sergeant Del Torto was the Radio Operator on a B-17G-15VE Flying Fortress named; "Spirit of Billy Mitchell".

Technical Sergeant Del Torto was listed as "Missing in Action" when he failed to return from his 26th bombing mission over Germany and German occupied territory in Europe. He had just written the rev. George Brenan of St. Barnabas church saying that he believed that the mission would be his last and that he soon would be home on furlough. T/Sgt. Phillip J. Del Torto's status would be changed to "Killed in Action".

On 19 April 1944 B-17 #42-97515 "Sprit of Billy Mitchell" was shot down after being hit many times by Messerschmitt Bf 109's. The Aircraft crashed south of Herlefeld, Germany about 18 miles southeast of Kassel.

The Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal and three Oak Leaf Clusters would be awarded posthumously to Technical Sergeant Philip J. Del Torto. who was killed in Europe on April 19, 1944, according to a letter from the War Department to his sister, Mrs. Joseph MeMak of 3201 Bainbridge Avenue, the Bronx, formerly of Yonkers. Sgt Del Torto would also receive the Purple Heart posthumously, and was commended" in a letter from Major General Edward F. Witsell, acting adjutant general, Washington, D. C. Accompanying the Distinguished Flying Cross was the following, citation:

"For extraordinary achievement, while serving as radio operator of a B-17 airplane on 25 bombardment missions over Continental Europe. Displaying great courage and skill, Sergeant Del Torto, fighting from his gun position, has warded off many enemy attacks and has materially aided in the success of each of the 25 missions. The courage, coolness and skill displayed by Sergeant Del Torto on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States." The citation accompanying the Air Medal and clusters praised the sergeant for "exceptionally meritorious achievement" while taking part in more than 20'combat missions over Continental Europe.

Technical Sergeant Philip. J. Del Torto' s body was recovered. He was brought home to the United States from Europe in May of 1949 onboard the US Army Transport Haiti Victory and laid to rest in Long Island National Cemetery in East Farmingdale.