Bush I (Destroyer No. 166)
Born in Wilmington, Del., William Sharp Bush was appointed Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps 3 July 1809. He lost his life while serving aboard Constitution when he fell mortally wounded while attempting to board the frigate Guerriere 19 August 1812. He was posthumously awarded a silver medal by Congress.
I
Bush (Destroyer No. 166) was launched 27 October 1918 by Fore River Shipbuilding Co., Quincy, Mass.; sponsored by Miss Josephine T. Bush, a descendant of Lieutenant Bush; and commissioned 19 February 1919, Commander R. B. Coffey in command.
After her final acceptance trails in July 1919 Bush operated along the east coast with Destroyer Squadron 3, Atlantic Fleet, until 29 November 1919 when she arrived at Charleston, S.C., and became a unit of Squadron 1, Flotilla 7, in reduced commission. She was in reserve status until the summer of 1920. She then engaged in conducting training cruises for Naval Reserves. Thereafter, she exercised alternately at Charleston, her winter base, and at Newport, her summer base, until placed out of commission 21 June 1922 at Philadelphia Navy Yard. Bush was sold 8 September 1936.
10 January 2006
