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Online Library of Selected Images:
-- PEOPLE -- UNITED STATES --
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.
This page features the only image we have concerning Richard
E. Bush.
Click on the small photograph to prompt
a larger view of the same image.
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 |
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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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