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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Master Technical Sergeant Henry William Bushwitz (MCSN: 277264), United States Marine Corps, for heroism while serving as Ordnance Chief on an aircraft carrier on 1 June 1945, during the assault on Okinawa. When a plane landed aboard the carrier with an instantaneously fused high velocity rocket still on the wing launches, the arrested landing caused the rocket to clear itself and skid down the deck, becoming armed on the way and finally stopping abreast the island. Without hesitation he ran forward and disarmed the rocket by recovering the nose fuse, thereby rendering it harmless. His commendable performance of duty and his alert action prevented an accident that might have proved disastrous. His heroic conduct performed in the face of great danger to himself, was outstanding.

Awards Received

  • Navy and Marine Corps Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Master Sergeant

    Action Date:

    September 25, 1950
    Heroes, U.S. Marine Corps 1861 – 1955 (Jane Blakeney)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Master Sergeant Henry William Bushwitz (MCSN: 277264), United States Marine Corps, for heroism in removing the fuses from certain explosives following the crash of several aircraft at Kimpo Airfield, Korea, on 25 September 1950, thereby rendering the area safe for all personnel. Following the crash of a fully loaded F4U-5, Master Sergeant Bushwitz, as part of an ordnance detail, proceeded to remove the fuses from all rockets and bombs, despite the fact that the rockets had been immersed in burning napalm for a considerable period of time. During the evening of the same day, he was a member of a similar ordnance detail following a three plane crash on the runway. Once again, and during a period of darkness, he proceeded to remove the fuses from all rockets, napalm tanks and bombs. His heroic conduct in the face of great danger to himself was outstanding, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.