The Sidney herald., 1960-09-21

back in 1910. He was a young
advertising executive on the
threshold of a fine career. Re-
Gently married, he was active in
community and church affairs.
Despite the tug of family re-
Sponsibility and community 10y
atty, Philbrick had a sound sense
of patriotic responsibility. He
knew he could be of immeasur-
able service to his country in
working from within the ranks of
the communists, and he took the
fateful step.
When he did, he. knew that at
any moment, his communist af-
filiation might be detected and
that he could be arrested for "sub-
versive" activities. He could ex-
pect no recognition or help from
the FBI if it did happen and there
would be no exit. His career
would end and his family would
be in disgrace.
On the other hand he was con-
stantly being spied on by the
communists, and his house was
frequently under surveillance. If
the communists discovered he was
a counterspy, he was certain his
life would be in danger. He took
out all the insurance he could
carry, and hoped for the best.
Physically, the burden of his
triple role was heavy. After a day
at work, Philbrick had to spend
long hours at communist cell
meetings, planning, writing pam
phletS, listening to endless indoc-
trination lectures. When he final
ly was able to go home, he spent
hours hidden in an attic room,
writing detailed reports to the
FBI.
Philbrick points with pride to
his wife who stood by him through
the nine-year ordeal. "She is a
living proof that a woman can
keep a secret" he says. With the
exception of the FBI, Eva. Phil
brick was the only other per-
son who knew all about her hus-
bands activities. With immense
courage, she supported her hus-
band as he became more deeply
involved in communist activity.
About her role in the ordeal
j. Edgar Hoover wrote to Mrs
Philbrick that her husbands vic.
tories "were undoubtedly attribu.
table in no small part to the, ad.
dltlonal responsibilities assumed
by you and to your loyal anc
faithful devotion to (your hus.
band) and to your country"
Even with such strong support
the strain of the three identitie
sometimes made Philbrick fee
like a Schizophrenic. There wer,
times when he feared that tn,
sheer power of the party leader.
with whom I worked would breal
my will, and l would actually be
come a communist"
Even after he could relinquisl
his roles as communist and coun.
terSpy, following his testimony il
the trial of the eleven top u. S
Reds in 1949, it was somesmonth
until he and his family coul
settle down to a new life. Note
and threats of retaliation pouret
in to him and for several month
the entire family was under FB
protection.
Now, the Philbrciks live in
suburb of New York City. The.
have five daughters cage,
four to fourteen, all blonde, an,
each with her own distinct per
sonality." Recently a son was ad
ded to the family. Philbrick nov
has time and the pecae of min
to indulge in his hobby, photog
raphy, and to play his Harmon
organ, an enthusiasm shared b
his wife and daughters.
Although he has rendered hi
country one of its greatest ser
vices, Philbrick continues to civ
OF his time and energy in tn
fight against communism. One {
the most important, in his opinion
is his lectures in which he ca
warn Americans how to recogniz
the communists and detect the
lnfiltration into innocent group
IF YOU CATCH A Will
1 EM0~ -