The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
BUSH, ROBERT EUGENE
Rank and organization: Hospital Apprentice
First Class, U.S. Naval Reserve, serving as Medical Corpsman with a rifle company, 2d
Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. Place and date: Okinawa Jima, Ryukyu
Islands, 2 May 1945. Entered service at: Washington. Born: 4 October
1926, Tacoma, Wash.
Citation:
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 machinegun fire from strongly entrenched hostile positions,
Bush constantly and unhesitatingly moved from 1 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 Iying 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 1 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 6 of the enemy despite his own serious
wounds and the loss of 1 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.
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