George H. W. Bush in Uniform
George H. W. Bush enlisted in the navy to become a pilot on his 18th birthday in June 1942. One year later he became the youngest aviator in the navy and was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS San Jacinto. During the war, Bush flew fifty-eight combat missions in the Pacific. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross after his plane was shot down while on a bombing mission; even though his plane was burning, Bush pressed home the attack on his target.
- Credit
- George Bush Presidential Library and Museum/NARA
