An air collision and crash in Mexico ended Phillip's family responsibilities.

Phillip L. Skow was born in Dunlap, Iowa, about 1917, the son of Oscar and Mabel Skow. Joining him in the Skow family were brothers Joseph and Raymond and sisters Rosanna and Madeleine (Mrs. E. Norman). Phillip completed his education at St. Joseph school in Dunlap and following the early death of his father, he helped provide financial and physical support for the family.

During this period Skow, found employment with the Southern Pacific Railroad, which sent him to Watsonville. He is reported to have lived in the Pajaro Valley for a number of years and become active in the local Knights of Columbus lodge.

In July 1943, Skow joined the US Army Air Force and was sent to Garden City, Kansas, for basic training, followed by advanced training at Brooks Field, Texas. After completing the air cadet program, he received his wings and was commissioned a second lieutenant.

On January 8, 1945, Second Lieutenant Phillip L. Skow was serving as the co-pilot aboard a Martin B-26, participating in a gunnery practice exercise between Brownsville, Texas, and Matamoros, Mexico. A second B-26 joined Skow's plane to assist in towing targets. During the exercise, the two planes collided and crashed into a lake on the Mexican side of the border killing all crew members.

Lt. Skow's remains were recovered and returned to Dunlap, Iowa, for a military funeral and burial.

(WRP 1945/01/?; Anthony J Mireles, Warbird Crash.com 1-8-45 Matamoros, Mexico, http://www.warbirdcrash.com/, [16 Sept 2008])