Claire Phillips

Claire Phillips
World War II spy "High Pockets"
Born
Claire Maybelle Snyder

(1907-12-02)December 2, 1907
Michigan, United States
DiedMay 22, 1960(1960-05-22) (aged 52)
Portland, Oregon, United States
Other namesClara Fuentes
Dorothy Clara Fuentes
"High Pockets"
Occupation(s)Entertainer and club owner
Known forWorld War II spy
Notable workManila Espionage
Spouse(s)(1) Manuel Fuentes
(2) John V. Phillips
(3) Robert R. Clavier
ChildrenDian (Diane) Claire Fuentes
AwardsMedal of Freedom

Claire Maybelle Snyder (December 2, 1907 – May 22, 1960), also known as Clara Fuentes, Clara Phillips, Dorothy Fuentes as well as High Pockets, was an American spy, entertainer, club owner, and writer most noted for her exploits in the Japanese-occupied Philippines. She was portrayed by Ann Dvorak in the 1951 movie I Was an American Spy. She was also the author of Manila Espionage, a book about her wartime experiences. In 1951, she was awarded the Medal of Freedom.

Many of Phillips' statements and claims about spying were later determined to be "without foundation," although in 1957 she was awarded $1,349.21 by the United States Court of Claims in compensation for assistance she had provided to American prisoners of war and Filipino resistance movements.[1]

  1. ^ "Clavier v. United States". July 12, 1957. Retrieved May 20, 2016.