Charles W. Rush

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Charles W. Rush, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 141st Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 12 December 1944, near Riquewihr, France. During a fierce enemy attack against his platoon’s position, Sergeant Rush boldly fired his automatic rifle from a standing position outside his firing hole and killed at least nine Germans, wounded many more and repelled the attackers from his sector. During the afternoon the hostile troops succeeded in cutting off the platoon from the remainder of his company and the men were ordered to move to more advantageous positions. After covering the move with BAR fire, Sergeant Rush rejoined his platoon and, during ensuing engagements with the determined enemy, he killed two more Germans, wounded several, and frustrated an enemy attempt to set up a mortar. His extraordinary heroism and intrepidity prevented his platoon form being overrun by German troops. His personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 36th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Charles W. Rush, Captain [then Lieutenant], U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Chief Engineer and Diving Officer on board U.S.S. BULLFISH (SS-286), during a combat war patrol in the enemy controlled waters of Makassar Strait on 11 November 1943. When an extremely severe depth charge attack incapacitated the Captain and all officers senior to Captain Rush, with cool courage and outstanding professionalism he directed the damage control efforts directly responsible for saving the ship. The sustained accurate attacks caused major leaking through the stern tubes and various hull fittings and, it was later discovered, actually ruptured the pressure hull aft. Calling on his prior extensive combat experience, Captain Rush was able to maintain the submarine at 580 feet, almost 170 feet below her test depth, and prevent her sinking further to crush depth. During 12 straight exhaustive hours at his Diving Officer post, his calm demeanor, innovative damage control actions, and demonstrated courage in the face of perceived certain disaster served as a major inspiration to the crew to keep them functioning after most had given up all hope of survival. After finally being relieved by another officer, Captain Rush proceeded to the conning tower to assess the situation. He found the helm unmanned, the Captain and all senior officers still incapacitated, and no effective action being taken to counter the relentless depth charge attacks. Captain Rush, in a display of enlightened leadership, immediately assumed the conn, obtained a helmsman, and proceeded to direct evasive actions to elude the enemy above. Hearing the continuing explosions astern and reasoning that explosions close to the fuel ballast tanks had caused oil leaks that enabled the enemy ship to track the submarine’s path, he then performed an innovative maneuver which resulted in the submarine retracing its own path in the opposite direction to pass under the old oil slicks. This so confused the enemy that they lost contact with the Billfish, and Captain Rush was able to bring her to the surface after dark some four hours later, safely distant from the enemy now searching astern in a vain attempt to regain contact. He commenced recharging the depleted batteries with the single operable engine-generator, and as more machinery was repaired, he enhanced the propulsion capability and effected a successful escape from the scene. Captain Rush’s inspiring and exceptional performance of duty under the worst imaginable conditions and in the face of seemingly certain death were directly responsible for saving Billfish and all hands from loss and for restoring the shattered confidence of the crew. By his courageous actions, superb leadership, and loyal dedication to duty, Captain Rush reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.