Philip F. Roach

Philip F. Roach was a commodore in the United States Coast Guard.

Biography
Roach was born on February 11, 1881 in Sedalia, Colorado. He married Helen Bryan in 1939.

Career
Roach graduated from the School of Instruction of the Revenue Cutter Service in 1907. Afterwards, he was stationed in Boston, Massachusetts and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Later, he was assigned to the USRC Apache, the USRC McCulloch, the USRC Seminole and the USRC Yamacraw. In 1917, he became Executive Officer of the USCGC Tampa.

During World War I, Roach commanded the USRC Manning and the USS Lydonia (SP-700). For his service, he was awarded the Navy Cross. Additionally, he received the World War I Victory Medal.

In 1921, he was assigned to the USCGC Seneca. Roach was named Executive Officer of the USS Cassin (DD-43) in 1924 and later assumed command of the ship. After being stationed in Camden, New Jersey, he would command the USCGC Modoc (WPG-46) and the USCGC Northland (WPG-49). In 1936, he became the first Commanding Officer of the USCGC Duane (WPG-33).

In 1939, while Roach was stationed in Washington, D.C., the United States Revenue Cutter Service merged with the United States Life-Saving Service to form the Coast Guard.