USN
VT-51
1944
Pilot Lt. (JG) George H. W. Bush (rescued)
Gunner Lieutenant Junior Grade William White, USNR (KIA)
Radio ARM 2nd Class John Delaney (KIA)
Crashed September 2, 1944
Mission History
Bush piloted one of four aircraft from VT-51 to attacked the Japanese
radio installations on Chi
Chi Jima. For this mission his crew included
John Delaney, substituted for Bush's regular gunner, Leo
Nadeau. They took off with a bomb load of four 500 lbs bombs. During their attack, the Avengers encountered intense
anti-aircraft fire. Starting the attack, Bush's aircraft was hit
and his engine caught on fire. He completed his attack and released
the bombs over his target scoring several damaging hits. With his engine
on fire, Bush flew several miles from the island, where he and one other
crew member on the TBM Avenger bailed out of the aircraft. However,
the other man's chute did not open and he fell to his death. It was
never determined which man bailed out with Bush. Both Delaney and White
were killed in action.
Rescue at Sea
Bush waited four hours in his inflated raft, while fighters
circled protectively overhead until he was rescued by the lifeguard
submarine, USS Finback. For this action, Bush received the Distinguished
Flying Cross. During rest of the month, he remained on Finback while
it rescued other pilots.
Avenger
