Billy Bush

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Billy Bush, Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade], U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber and Flight Leader in Bombing Fighting Squadron TWO (VBF-2), embarked from the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), during action against major units of the Japanese Fleet in the First Battle of the Philippine Sea on 20 June 1944. Carrying out a dive bombing attack in the face of hostile anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Bush scored a direct hit to assist in destroying a large enemy carrier and, with his craft’s fuel supply exhausted during the return to base, executed a water landing near his carrier. By his skill as an airman and devotion to duty, Lieutenant bush upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, Fast Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 0438 (August 20, 1944)