The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Seaman First Class J T Bush, United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a member of the gun crew of the escort carrier U.S.S. PETROF BAY (CVE-80), during her action in the Battle of Samar Island on 25 October 1944. He displayed exceptional courage in continuing to man his gun through a very serious enemy attack. He contributed to the successful performance of his ship against a numerically superior Japanese Task Force. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.