CHESTER W. BUSS
Chester W. Buss was born 8 February 1917 in Idaho.
He enlisted in the US Navy on 22 May 1934 and was discharged 8 February 1952. During the Korean War he received the DFC. The citation follows...
"The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Aviation Machinist's Mate Chester W. Buss (NSN: 3931444), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a helicopter attached to Helicopter Squadron ONE (HU-1) and serving with Mine Squadron THREE, Chief Buss participated in two combat rescue flights which resulted in the rescue of two United Nations pilots. On 24 September 1951, he was the helicopter pilot on a rescue mission 30 miles from his base over territory well emplaced with gun positions. While escorting fighters attempting to divert enemy fire from the helicopter, Chief Buss approached the downed pilot within full view and close range of enemy guns. Without regard for his own safety, he picked up the downed pilot and carried him safely from the scene. On 3 October 1951, while flying a mine reconnaissance mission in the vicinity of Hungnam, information was received of a downed pilot who had parachuted approximately 20 miles inland. Chief Buss, who was piloting the helicopter at that time, joined a group of fighter pilots and proceeded inland. During the trip inland, small arms fire was encountered constantly and difficulty was had spotting the downed pilot. The downed pilot lighted parachute flares to assist Chief Buss in locating him. Because of the vegetation and scrub trees it was necessary to hover to effect the rescue, and steep slopes and peaks in the area created a wind hazard, making this extremely difficult. With bullets being fired all around him, Chief Buss, disregarding his own personal safety, took the badly burned pilot aboard. As the helicopter rose from the ground, several enemy riflemen emerged from the underbrush and fired at the helicopter. However, Chief Buss, by his skillful maneuvering, dodged the enemy gunfire and brought the helicopter to his base for the pilot to receive medical treatment. His outstanding courage and unswerving devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 1204 (May 20, 1952)
Action Date: September 24 & October 3, 1951
Service: Navy
Rank: Chief Aviation Machinist's Mate"
Company: Helicopter Squadron 1 (HU-1)
SSMB2c Lester T. McMinnis was born on 2 December 1920 in Hurt, Virginia.
McMinnis enlisted on 21 November 1942 in the U.S. Navy. He was placed into active duty on 29 December 1942 and was later assigned to the 78th Naval Construction Battalion on 9 February 1943.
On 16 June 1943, he went overseas and from July to November 1943 he served in New Caledonia.
McMinnis then went to serve in New Guinea Campaign during the fighting there. He was there from December 1943 to March 1944.
The same month his unit went to serve in the Admiralty Islands from March to December 1944.
He enlisted in the US Navy on 22 May 1934 and was discharged 8 February 1952. During the Korean War he received the DFC. The citation follows...
"The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Aviation Machinist's Mate Chester W. Buss (NSN: 3931444), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a helicopter attached to Helicopter Squadron ONE (HU-1) and serving with Mine Squadron THREE, Chief Buss participated in two combat rescue flights which resulted in the rescue of two United Nations pilots. On 24 September 1951, he was the helicopter pilot on a rescue mission 30 miles from his base over territory well emplaced with gun positions. While escorting fighters attempting to divert enemy fire from the helicopter, Chief Buss approached the downed pilot within full view and close range of enemy guns. Without regard for his own safety, he picked up the downed pilot and carried him safely from the scene. On 3 October 1951, while flying a mine reconnaissance mission in the vicinity of Hungnam, information was received of a downed pilot who had parachuted approximately 20 miles inland. Chief Buss, who was piloting the helicopter at that time, joined a group of fighter pilots and proceeded inland. During the trip inland, small arms fire was encountered constantly and difficulty was had spotting the downed pilot. The downed pilot lighted parachute flares to assist Chief Buss in locating him. Because of the vegetation and scrub trees it was necessary to hover to effect the rescue, and steep slopes and peaks in the area created a wind hazard, making this extremely difficult. With bullets being fired all around him, Chief Buss, disregarding his own personal safety, took the badly burned pilot aboard. As the helicopter rose from the ground, several enemy riflemen emerged from the underbrush and fired at the helicopter. However, Chief Buss, by his skillful maneuvering, dodged the enemy gunfire and brought the helicopter to his base for the pilot to receive medical treatment. His outstanding courage and unswerving devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 1204 (May 20, 1952)
Action Date: September 24 & October 3, 1951
Service: Navy
Rank: Chief Aviation Machinist's Mate"
Company: Helicopter Squadron 1 (HU-1)
SSMB2c Lester T. McMinnis was born on 2 December 1920 in Hurt, Virginia.
McMinnis enlisted on 21 November 1942 in the U.S. Navy. He was placed into active duty on 29 December 1942 and was later assigned to the 78th Naval Construction Battalion on 9 February 1943.
On 16 June 1943, he went overseas and from July to November 1943 he served in New Caledonia.
McMinnis then went to serve in New Guinea Campaign during the fighting there. He was there from December 1943 to March 1944.
The same month his unit went to serve in the Admiralty Islands from March to December 1944.
