Medal of Honor: Stories of Courage Robert E. Bush: From High School to Hell and Back
Aug 28, 2024
Robert E. Bush, one of the youngest Medal of Honor recipients, shares his gripping experiences from the Battle of Okinawa at just 18 years old. He discusses the stark transition from his hometown to the warfront, illustrating the struggles of youth amid chaos. Bob shines a light on the fleeting moments of humanity witnessed during conflict, alongside the intense bond formed between soldiers as they face dire moral dilemmas. His journey reflects on sacrifice, personal growth, and the lasting legacy that such harrowing experiences leave for future generations.
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Bush's Early Enlistment
- Robert E. Bush, a 15-year-old from Menlo, Washington, felt compelled to enlist after Pearl Harbor.
- Witnessing friends and classmates leave for war and some never returning, he joined the Navy Reserves as a corpsman at 17.
Mother's Influence
- Raised by a single mother, a nurse, Bush felt a responsibility to serve.
- Despite his mother's concern for his academic struggles, she allowed him to enlist at 17.
Okinawa's Strategic Significance and Civilian Presence
- Okinawa held strategic importance for the Allies as a base to attack Japan.
- Unlike other Pacific battles, Okinawa had a large civilian population, adding complexity to the conflict.