Philip Olcott Stearns ’40

Phil died Feb. 11, 2000. He prepared at The Brooks School and at Princeton he lettered in the 150-lb crew, of which he was captain. In addition he had an outstanding record in single sculls. After graduating with honors in art and archaeology, Phil volunteered for duty behind enemy lines in the OSS.

In 1945 Phil stood on a London sidewalk in full uniform but with both arms swathed in bandages. Before him stood a general who had noted his OSS insignia, was lauding his bravery, wishing him a quick recovery from his wounds. The general was not aware that Phil had been the possessor of two very precious bottles of Scotch before he stumbled off the back of a London bus, fell, and cut both arms severely on the broken glass.

He developed a successful career as a photojournalist in England during the 1960s, continuing thereafter back in the States. Phil spent time as photo editor of Penthouse magazine before getting involved with Campaigns magazine as its chief. Thereafter he turned his talented attentions to sculpting, a hobby started in his undergrad days. No kin survives him, but the Class of 1940 inherits special remembrances.

The Class of 1940