Project 888
Name: John Richard BUSH
Rank / Rating: PFC-Private First Class MarinesService #: 964950 DOB: Jan 19, 1923 From: Parents: Went Aboard: Jul 12, 1945 Age When Ship Went Down: 22 years, 6 months, 11 days Spouse: Beth Arlene Hale Bush Children: Connie Bush Grandchildren: Marci Harrison, Dana Leluann Schilling Bio Submitted By: Admin |
 BUSH, John R |
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Her pillow absorbed screams, fist pounding and tears. The mangled telegram on the floor confirmed the death of her husband John, a Marine, missing in action. Beth struggled to contain her silenced grief - from the ears of her parents and her seven-month-old daughter, Connie.
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 The double framed photo beside her bed told their story. Beth held it closely. On the right she and John hold hands wearing high school graduation caps and gowns; on the left side their wedding clothes. In 1941 at age 18 they graduated as sweethearts; at age 19 Beth Arlene Hale became Mrs. John Richard Bush living in Quenemo, Kansas.
At age 23 John was dead; Beth was widowed.
John enlisted into military service on his 18th birthday - in 1942 - as required by the draft.
He joined the Marine Corp Reserve SS Class 3. On May 20, 1944 John was called to active duty and sent to Marine Corps Base in San Diego, California. In October he was assigned to Casualty Detachment, Marine Barracks, Camp Joseph H. Pendleton, Oceanside, California. In July 1945 John was assigned to the Marine Detachment aboard USS Indianapolis CA 35 as security detail for the secret mission.
Beth would learn that John’s Marine division served as security for the delivery of components of the first atomic bomb, dropped on Hiroshima. She would learn that John died when Indianapolis was torpedoed and sunk July 30, 1945, by a Japanese Submarine captain. Neither of these details comforted her. There was no honor for her. She would write letters to military officials seeking information on her husband’s death. John’s sister Marilyn Thorton would write also.
For Beth there were no comforting replies. The loss of John remained overwhelming. Beth tried to cope, to find John in three failed marriages and a troubled life. What should have been a bonding between mother and daughter, Connie during difficult times became a distant, out-of-touch relationship. In her early 50’s Beth reconciled herself to John’s death and her dark coping. Her mental and physical health improved. Beth enrolled in some college courses and later become a bookkeeper-a quiet life. Resolved.
Marci Harrison and Dana Leluann Schilling, granddaughters to John R. Bush, and daughters to baby Connie, are keepers of their grandfather’s history and legacy. Marci is sure that her grandfather did not hold his newborn daughter before he died. No photos located. No letters confirming.
Marci keeps her grandfather’s medals - one as a Sharp Shooter, a Victory Medal and his Purple Heart engraved on back “For Military Merit Private John R. Bush, USMCR”.
Marci displays John and Beth’s double framed photos - their high school graduation and wedding.
After receiving news of John’s death the family gained fleeting hope that he was alive.
This letter from the family to Captain M. G. Craig, Marine Corp and his reply reveal continued anguish for his family.
January 18, 1946,
Dear Sir
Request information on John R Bush. Was supposed to have been missing July 30, 1945.
Was a Marine Pvt on the U.S.S. Indianapolis. Reason for believing he is living was found in
Leatherneck Magazine, Jan issue. He is listed under safe from missing.
Please, send information on below named man.
PVT. John R. Bush
Ser No. 964950
Sincerely,
Mrs. Marilyn Thornton
Williamsburg, Kansas
Sister of John R. Bush
Captain Craig’s return letter to Mrs. Marilyn Thornton:
964050
DGU 894
9 January, 1946
My Dear Mrs. Thornton:
Receipt is acknowledged of your telegram regarding your brother, Private John R. Bush. U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. I regret to inform you that the report printed in the January LEATHERNECK that your brother was safe from missing is erroneous. This error was due to an incorrect report received by the LEATHERNECK Magazine, and a correction will be printed in the March issue.
The anxiety caused you and your family by this report is sincerely regretted. Please permit me to extend to you my deepest sympathy in the loss of your brother.
Sincerely yours,
M. G. CRAIG
Captain, U. S. Marine Corps
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