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Photo # NH 105699:  Corporal Richard E. Bush, USMCR

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Master Gunnery Sergeant Richard E. Bush, USMCR, (1923-2004)

Richard Earl Bush was born on 23 December 1924 in Glasgow, Kentucky. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve from that state in September 1942, subsequently completing basic training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California. After serving with a replacement battalion at Camp Elliot, California and receiving additional training as an armorer, he served with the Marine Corps Raiders in the Pacific. During this time, he was promoted to the rank of Corporal.

On 16 April 1945, Corporal Bush was a Squad Leader with the First Battalion, Fourth Marines, Sixth Marine Division during the final assault against the Japanese at Mount Yaetake, Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands. Bravely leading his men in this furious battle, he was wounded and evacuated for treatment. While receiving medical attention, the enemy threw a grenade into the medical aid area. Bush courageously pulled it to him, absorbing the blast and saving his fellow Marines. Though badly wounded, he survived and, in recognition of his "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity" on this occasion, was presented with the Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman in ceremonies at the White House on 4 October 1945. Later achieving the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant, during the post-war decades he worked with the Veterans Administration as a counselor. Richard E. Bush died on 7 June 2004 and is buried at Ascension Catholic Cemetery, Libertyville, Illinois.

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Photo #: NH 105699

Corporal Richard E. Bush, USMCR


Halftone reproduction of a photograph, copied from the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 163.
Richard E. Bush was awarded the Medal of Honor for "conspicuous gallantry" during the final assault against the Japanese at Mount Yaetake, Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 16 April 1945. Despite being wounded, he courageously jumped on a grenade and absorbed the blast, saving his fellow Marines.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 50KB; 580 x 765 pixels

 



Medal of Honor citation of Corporal Richard E. Bush, USMCR (as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 163):

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a Squad Leader serving with the First Battalion, Fourth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces, during the final assault against Mount Yaetake on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 16 April 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 Mount 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 extremeity 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. 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."


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Page made 28 May 2008