Navy Federal Credit Union

Roland Busch was killed in an air accident on February 17, 1961 when his Navy Fighter crashed into the ocean off the coast of California.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Fighter Squadron 653 (VF-653)

    Action Date:

    April 1, 1952

    CATG-1: Serial 431 (June 23, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Roland G. Busch, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Aircraft in Fighter Squadron SIX HUNDRED FIFTY-THREE (VF-653), during action against hostile North Korean and Chinese Communist forces. On 1 April 1952, in the vicinity of Wonsan, North Korea, Ensign Busch while on a rail interdiction mission, observed a friendly destroyer receiving counter-battery fire from a hidden shore battery. Locating this battery, he pressed home two separate attacks with telling effect. An anti-aircraft gun opened fire to protect the battery. With courageous efficiency and utter disregard for his own safety, he silenced this gun in a daring gun barrel to gun barrel duel. Then he returned his attention to the shore battery and proceeded to demolish it in four more devastating bombing attacks. His success in finding and destroying this shore battery has made possible safer operations in Wonsan Bay by our forces. His devotion to duty was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 653 (VF-653)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Korea)

    Action Date:

    May 27, 1952 – August 1953

    Ensign Roland G. Busch, United States Navy, was awarded captured when his aircraft was shot down over Korea on 27 May 1952, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his release in Operation Big Switch in August 1953.