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"Happy to be aboard." These were the words of a young, wounded George H.W. Bush as he was pulled from the Pacific Ocean by the crew of the USS Finback. Just moments before, his TBM Avenger torpedo bomber had been engulfed in flames, forcing him to bail out over the island of Chichi Jima. This harrowing experience, a world away from the halls of power he would one day occupy, offers a glimpse into the courage and resilience of the man who would become the 41st President of the United States.
A Nation Rocked, a Young Man Responds: The Path to Pearl Harbor
The story begins, as it did for so many of his generation, with the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor. A young George H.W. Bush, barely an adult at 18, felt the call to duty. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy, determined to contribute to the war effort. His journey would take him from the Naval Station Pearl Harbor, a place forever etched in American memory, to the skies above the Pacific theater.
Nicknamed "Skin" for his lean physique, Bush rose through the ranks, becoming a lieutenant at the age of 20. He was assigned to Torpedo Squadron 51, flying the Grumman TBM Avenger, a formidable aircraft but one that faced constant danger in the skies above Japanese-held islands.
The Fateful Mission Over Chichi Jima
In 1944, Bush and his squadron were tasked with a bombing run on Chichi Jima, a strategically important island in the Bonin Islands chain. The island, heavily fortified by the Japanese, posed a significant threat to American naval operations.
During the attack, Bush's Avenger, nicknamed "Barbara" after his sweetheart and future First Lady Barbara Pierce, was hit by intense anti-aircraft fire. The plane was crippled, engulfed in flames, and Bush, with no other choice, gave the order to abandon ship.
Survival at Sea and a Harrowing Rescue
Bush parachuted into the churning waters below, the fate of his two crewmates, Radioman Second Class John Delaney and Lieutenant Junior Grade William Gardiner "Ted" White, uncertain. He would later recall seeing at least one parachute, but the chaos of the moment made it impossible to know for sure.
Alone in the vast ocean, Bush clung to a life raft, his body battered and bruised, his mind racing with thoughts of his crew and the dangers that surrounded him. Japanese boats patrolled the waters, eager to capture downed American airmen.
For hours, Bush fought for survival. Then, on the horizon, a beacon of hope appeared: the USS Finback, an American submarine, surfaced nearby. Bush, exhausted but alive, was pulled aboard.
A Life Forever Changed
The experience left an indelible mark on George H.W. Bush. He carried with him the memories of that day, the loss of his comrades, and the profound gratitude he felt for his rescuers.
Years later, as President, he would reflect on his wartime service, saying, "I learned that serving your country is a noble calling, and that there is no greater honor than to wear the uniform of the United States military."
The story of George H.W. Bush's harrowing escape from Chichi Jima is a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who served in World War II. It is a reminder of the human cost of conflict and the enduring legacy of those who answered the call to duty.
"There is a certain excitement that comes from serving your country. It's a feeling that's hard to describe, but it's something that I'll never forget." - George H.W. Bush
The events at Chichi Jima shaped the future president, instilling in him a deep sense of patriotism, duty, and the preciousness of life. These values would guide him throughout his life, from the halls of Congress to the Oval Office, leaving an enduring mark on American history.
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