Four surviving Sailors from the USS Bush (DD-529), a Fletcher-class destroyer, gathered for a final reunion to commemorate the fateful day of their ship during a ceremony at the North Chapel located in Liberty Station, April 6.
Marking the 70th anniversary of the sinking of USS Bush off the coast of Okinawa on April 6, 1945, Lt. j.g. Robert Carney, Chief Machinist’s Mate Bob Gallagher, Seaman First Class Thomas Gilmer, Gunner’s Mate Second Class Mario Petroni and their families gathered to honor their fallen shipmates and share their stories.
Each Sailor spoke of their time onboard USS Bush and their specific experiences during the day the ship was sunk.
USS Bush (DD-529) was a Fletcher-class destroyer named in honor of Marine Lt. William Sharp Bush. Lt. Bush was onboard USS Constitution during the War of 1812 and was the first U.S. Marine officer to be killed in combat. Commissioned on May 10, 1943, USS Bush was 376 feet long, had a displacement of 2,050 tons, and crew of approximately 330 Sailors. Earning seven battle stars, USS Bush was one of 34 Navy ships sunk by Japanese kamikaze attacks in World War II.
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Image: US Navy