"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty while serving as Medical Corpsman with a
rifle company, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa Jima,
Ryukyu Islands, 2 May 1945. Fearlessly braving the fury of artillery,
mortar, and machine gun fire from strongly entrenched hostile positions,
Bush constantly and unhesitatingly moved from one casualty to another to
attend the wounded falling under the enemy's murderous barrages. As the
attack passed over a ridge top, Bush was advancing to administer blood
plasma to a marine officer lying wounded on the skyline when the
Japanese launched a savage counterattack. In this perilously exposed
position, he resolutely maintained the flow of life-giving plasma. With
the bottle held high in one hand, Bush drew his pistol with the other
and fired into the enemy's ranks until his ammunition was expended.
Quickly seizing a discarded carbine, he trained his fire on the Japanese
charging pointblank over the hill, accounting for six of the enemy
despite his own serious wounds and the loss of one eye suffered during
his desperate battle in defense of the helpless man. With the hostile
force finally routed, he calmly disregarded his own critical condition
to complete his mission, valiantly refusing medical treatment for
himself until his officer patient had been evacuated, and collapsing
only after attempting to walk to the battle aid station. His daring
initiative, great personal valor, and heroic spirit of self-sacrifice in
service of others reflect great credit upon Bush and enhance the finest
traditions of the U.S. Naval Service."
From HM1 Robert E. Bush's Medal of Honor citation, awarded October 5, 1945.
A true heroic doctor who would do anything for his patients,
Brian
Bush's statue at the Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital in Twentynine Palms, California.
Oral history by Bush, himself.
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