Notice of Passing – Lieutenant Colonel Philip (Phil) Maxwell, Personnel, Plans & Training Office (PPTO) – Office of The Judge Advocate General (OTJAG)

It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of a great JAG Corps leader, mentor, and friend, Lieutenant Colonel Phil Maxwell, who passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on 1 May 2024 at his home in Alexandria, Virginia. Phil was an empathetic and selfless leader, a dedicated Soldier, and a cherished member of the JAG Corps family. He was 46 years old.

Philip Christopher Maxwell was born on 16 October 1977 in Superior Township, Michigan. He understood the value of advanced education and diligently obtained degrees from renowned universities. In 1999, Phil graduated from Tufts University with a Bachelor of Arts degree. In 2003, he graduated with a Master of Public Policy degree, and in 2005, he graduated with a Juris Doctor – both from the University of Michigan. He subsequently received his LL.M. from The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School (TJAGLCS) in 2016.  

Phil began his military service in 2006. After completing Judge Advocate Officer Basic Course (JAOBC), his first duty station was Fort Sill, where he served as a Legal Assistance Attorney and Command Judge Advocate for the 214th Field Artillery Brigade. He then served as Trial Counsel and Assistant Staff Judge Advocate at the Military Surface Deployment & Distribution Command at Scott Air Force Base. Phil was then assigned to Eighth Army in South Korea as an Administrative Law Attorney, Operational Law Attorney, and Chief of Legal Assistance. After that, he served as a Defense Counsel and Senior Defense Counsel at Fort Sam Houston before being assigned as the Chief of Administrative Law for 1st Cavalry Division. After completing the Graduate Course, Phil served as the Brigade Judge Advocate for the Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, and subsequently as a Fellow at the International Institute for Humanitarian Law in San Remo, Italy. After his year-long fellowship, he was assigned as an Assistant Legal Counsel at US Africa Command in Stuttgart, Germany. His final assignment was Deputy Chief of Plans within PPTO at OTJAG in the Pentagon. Phil deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Phil received numerous awards and decorations during his career. Those include the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (with four oak leaf clusters), Army Commendation Medal (with two oak leaf clusters), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (with one bronze campaign star), Iraq Campaign Medal (with one bronze campaign star), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (with Roman numeral “5”), NATO Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation (with one oak leaf cluster), Parachutist Badge, and the Army Staff Identification Badge.

Phil is survived by his son Louis Titus Maxwell, his father Dr. Donald Maxwell, and siblings. His family is currently planning a funeral service, with details pending. A military memorial ceremony will be held at the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall chapel, with details pending.

We extend our deepest condolences to the Maxwell family during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and all of our personnel.


STUART W. RISCH
LTG, U.S. Army
The Judge Advocate General