"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty as Squad Leader serving with the First
Battalion, Fourth Marines, Sixth Marine Division,in action against
Japanese forces during the final assault against Mt. Yaetake on Okinawa,
Ryukyu Islands, April 16, 1945. Rallying his men forward with
indomitable determination, Corporal Bush boldly defied the slashing fury
of concentrated Japanese artillery fire pouring down from the
gun-studded mountain fortress to lead his squad up the face of the rocky
precipice, sweep over the ridge and drive the defending troops from
their deeply entrenched position. With his unit, the first to break
through to the inner defense of Mt. Yaetake, he fought relentlessly in
the forefront of the action until seriously wounded and evacuated with
others under protecting rocks. Although prostrate under medical
treatment when a Japanese hand grenade
landed in the midst of the group, Corporal Bush, alert and courageous
in extremity as in battle, unhesitatingly pulled the deadly missile to
himself and absorbed the shattering violence of the exploding charge in
his own body, thereby saving his fellow Marines from severe injury or
death despite the certain peril to his own life. By his valiant
leadership and aggressive tactics in the face of savage opposition,
Corporal Bush contributed materially to the success of the sustained
drive toward the conquest of this fiercely defended outpost of the
Japanese Empire and his constant concern for the welfare of his men, his
resolute spirit of self- sacrifice and his unwavering devotion to duty
throughout the bitter conflict enhance and sustain the highest
traditions of the United States Naval Service."
From Cpl. Bush's Medal of Honor citation awarded on October 4, 1945.
Thank you for your service and may you be at peace,
Brian
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