In Norfolk, Virginia on September 17, 1998, CAPTAIN PHILIP H. JENKINS, USN (Ret.), age 96, died.

He was born on March 19, 1902, in Bethlehem, PA, the son of Harry S. Jenkins and Hilda Hagenbuch Jenkins. He attended Bethlehem High School, before his appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD, from the Twenty-Sixth Congressional District of his native state in 1919. Graduated and commissioned Ensign on June 7, 1923, he subsequently attained the grade of Captain to date from July 10, 1943.

During World War II, he served as commanding officer of the USS Rixey in the South Pacific. ''For meritorious service...'' while in command of that vessel, operating with the Seventh Fleet during amphibious landing on an enemy Japanese held island, from July 21 - 26, 1944, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, with authorization to wear the Combat Distinguished Device ''V.''

Captain Jenkins is survived by two daughters, Phyllis J. Daniels of Norfolk and June J. Hoye of Falls Church, VA; three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. A graveside service, with military honors, will be conducted on Thursday, September 24, 1998, at 11 a.m. in Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to a favorite charity.

He attended Bethlehem High School before his appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, from the Twenty-Sixth Congressional District of his native state in 1919. Graduated and commissioned ensign on June 7, 1923, he subsequently attained the grade of captain to date from July 10, 1943.

     During World War II he served as commanding officer of the USS Rixey in the South Pacific. ''For meritorious service. . . '' while in command of that vessel, operating with the Seventh Fleet during amphibious landings on an enemy Japanese held island from July 21-26, 1944, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, with authorization to wear the Combat Distinguished Device ''V.''

Captain Jenkins is survived by two daughters, Phyllis J. Daniels of Norfolk and June J. Hoye of Falls Church, Va.; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. A graveside service with military honors will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, September.24, in Arlington National Cemetery.

Bronze Star Medal