to explode in the forward engine room. Although much damage was sustained the ship was not believed to be in severe danger and tugs were requested. was closing in to assist when she received the first of four hits by suicide planes and was so severely damaged that she had to be sunk by United States forces. At 1725, a second kamikaze crashed into the port side of Bushs main deck between the stacks, starting a large fire and nearly severing the ship. At 1745, a third crashed onto the port side just above the main deck. Some of the ship's ammunition caught fire and began to explode. Although it was believed that she would break amidships, it was thought that both halves would be salvageable. However, an unusually heavy swell rocked the ship, and Bush began to cave in amidships. Other swells followed, and the ship was abandoned by her 227 survivors just before she folded and sank. 87 of her crew were lost. Awards Bush received seven battle stars for her World War II service. References Brown, David. Warship Losses of World War Two. Arms and Armour, London, Great Britain, 1990. . External links navsource.org: USS Bush hazegray.org: USS Bush Bush (DD-529) Ships built in San Francisco World War II shipwrecks in the Pacific Ocean 1942 ships Bush (DD-529) Ships sunk by kamikaze attack Maritime incidents in April 1945 Destroyers sunk by aircraft