Charles Ellsworth Bush was born on August 7, 1921, in West Wilmerding, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Robert Stewart Bush and Catherine Mary Allshouse Pierce. He enlisted in the service on June 17, 1941. He served in the 86th Bomber Squadron, 47th Bomber Group, Light, as a Private during World War II.

After the fall of Bataan in the hands of the Japanese Army on April 9, 1942, Pvt Bush was one of the 10,000 to 12,000 Americans who were forced to march over 60 miles under brutal conditions, resulting in 1,000 to 5,000 deaths due to starvation, dehydration, and abuse. Survivors were sent to Camp O'Donnell, where dire conditions, including overcrowding, malnutrition, and disease, caused an additional 1,500 to 2,300 American deaths within weeks. Those who survived faced ongoing hardships, including transfers to other camps and forced labor, where many continued to suffer or die.

Pvt Bush was among the American soldiers who lost their lives in captivity on June 26, 1942. He is now buried in the Mount Airy Cemetery, Natrona Heights, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, USA.

Source of information: www.livescience.com