The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Hugh F. Rush (MCSN: 309152), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as gunner of a machine gun squad serving with the First Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Piva Forks, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 24 November 1943. When a hostile artillery barrage drove the other members of his gun crew from their posts just as they opened fire on a group of the enemy advancing in an effort to encircle the battalion flank, Private First Class Rush steadfastly remained at his gun despite the exploding artillery shells and, completely disregarding his own personal safety, continued to operate the weapon against the determined enemy forces until he was killed. Inspired by his valiant conduct, his gun crew immediately restored the gun to action, directed a steady stream of withering fire at the Japanese and succeeded in repulsing the attempted encirclement. Private First Class Rush’s heroic spirit of self-sacrifice and unflinching devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.