US Navy 040109-N-5328N-021 41st President of the United States George H.W. Bush addresses an audience of 300 specially invited guests at the National Museum of Naval Aviation

Pensacola, Fla. (Jan. 9, 2004) -- 41st President of the United States George H.W. Bush addresses an audience of 300 specially invited guests at the National Museum of Naval Aviation. On his 18th birthday George Bush enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a Seaman 2nd Class. Receiving his wings and commission in June 1943 while still 18 years old, he was the youngest pilot in the Navy at that time. While on active duty from August 1942 to September 1945 Bush flew torpedo bombers from the light aircraft carrier USS San Jacinto (CVL 30). On September 2, 1944, Bush's plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire while making a bombing run over the Bonin Island of Chichi Jima, 600 miles south of Japan. Although the plane was afire and severely damaged, he completed his strafing run on the targeted Japanese installation before flying towards sea to bail out. Bush was able to bail out successfully and was rescued by the Navy submarine USS Finback (SS 230). For his courageous service in the Pacific, the future president was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and three Air Medals. U.S. Navy photo by Gary Nichols. (RELEASED)