| Philip H. Alston | |
| Birth Date: | April 19, 1911 |
| Birth Place: | Atlanta, Georgia, US |
| Death Date: | March 2, 1988 |
| Nationality: | American |
| Education: | University of Georgia (BA), Emory University (JD) |
| Occupation: | Lawyer, diplomat |
Philip Henry Alston Jr. (April 19, 1911 – March 2, 1988) was an American lawyer and diplomat who served as U.S. Ambassador to Australia and Nauru.[1]
Alston was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on April 19, 1911 to attorney Philip H. Alston Sr. (1880–1962) and May Lewis Alston (1890–1962). He received a bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia in 1932, and earned a law degree from Emory University in 1934. Upon completion of his LL.B., Alston began practicing at the law firm that would become Alston, Miller and Gaines, where he became a partner in 1942.
From 1942–1945, Alston served in the United States Navy, and returned to his legal practice following the end of World War II.[2]
Alston was a confidant of U.S. President Jimmy Carter, and began supporting Carter politically in 1966.[3] In 1976, Alston was chairman of Jimmy Carter's presidential campaign committee.[4] Carter appointed him ambassador to Australia and Nauru in 1977 and 1979, respectively. He served in those roles until 1981.[1]
Following his diplomatic appointments, Alston was a co-founder of the Georgia Foundation, raising millions of dollars for the University of Georgia.[3]