honoring our relatives that have served this country. This list is "in progress" and by no means comlete. If you feel we've overlooked someone please contact us using the "Suggest" tab on the top of their page.
Served December 1940 to January 1962. Approximate flight hours: jet: 600 prop: 3,750. 415 fixed wing carrier/ship landings. Combat awards: Navy Cross, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross (X3), Purple Heart (X2), and four Presidential Unit Citations.
From the orders awarding him the Navy Cross:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Harold Lloyd Buell (NSN: 0-104297), United States Naval 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), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), in action against the enemy fleet in the vicinity of the East Philippine Sea on 20 June 1944. In the face of intense, accurate anti-aircraft fire, which blew a three-foot hole in his wing just after release, Lieutenant Buell led his division in a determined, devastating dive bombing attack, himself scoring a direct hit on the large enemy carrier under attack. Although wounded by a fragment from the shell that hit is wing, he flew his severely damaged plane through the night back to our carrier forces. By his brilliant airmanship, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty, Lieutenant Buell contributed materially to the success of our operations in this historic engagement, and his great personal valor in the face of grave peril was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
He was a private in Captain John Stanton's company, 4th regiment in the French and Indian War. He was a captain of the militia in the Revolutionary war. He was in the siege around New York in 1776 and, was in Captain Walker's company and marched under Lafayette in 1780. He was killed at the Massacre at Fort Griswold
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Bush decided to join the US Navy. After completing the 10-month course, on 9 June 1943, he was commissioned as an ensign in the Navy Reserves. Just three days before his 19th birthday, this made him the youngest naval aviator to that date.
On 2 September 1944, Bush piloted one of four Grumman Avenger aircraft that attacked the Japanese installations on Chichijima. During the attack, the Avengers encountered intense anti-aircraft fire. Bush's aircraft was hit by flack and his engine caught on fire. Despite his plane being on fire, Bush completed his attack and released bombs over his target, scoring several damaging hits. With his engine burning, Bush flew several miles from the island, where he and one other two crew members on the Avenger bailed out. The other man's parachute did not open. The third man was unable to get out of the plane. Both crew members were killed as a result of the battle. Bush waited for four hours in a raft, while fighters circled protectively overhead. He was rescued by the submarine USS Finback.
For the next month he remained on the Finback, and participated in the rescue of other pilots. He flew a total of 58 combat missions for which he received the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Because of his valuable combat experience, Bush was reassigned to a training wing for new torpedo pilots. Upon the Japanese surrender in 1945, Bush was honorably discharged.
Presently serving as an intelligence officer. He has said that, that attending the 2006 launch of the aircraft carrier named for his grandfather, the "USS George H.W. Bush", inspired him to join the navy. He served 8 months in Operation Enduring Freedom. During that deployment, he used a different name for security purposes. Not even those he was serving with knew his real identity.
In a series of six major battles known as the "Seven Days Battles", at Gaines' Mill on the Chickahominy River, in Hanover County, Virginia on June 27, 1862, he was wounded but demonstrated bravery that was eventually recognized in 1892, with the Medal of Honor.
The reason given on orders for the award reads: "Seized the colors of the 83d Pennsylvania Volunteers at a critical moment and, under a galling fire of the enemy, encouraged the depleted ranks to renewed exertion."
Staff Sergeant Elmo L. Butterfield was captured by German forces after his plane was shot down on September 10, 1944 and was held as a Prisoner of War until the end of hostilities in May 1945.
