The family of Robert E. Bush and command staff with Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Twentynine Palms pose for a photo at the Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, March 13, 2023. The family of Robert E. Bush came to visit the medical center of his namesake and was shown the facility functions and memorabilia. (US Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jonathan Willcox)

Photo by Cpl. Jonathan Willcox

The family of Robert E. Bush visits the Robert E. Bush Naval hospital

13 Mar 2023 | Cpl. Jonathan Willcox Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms

MCAGCC MAGTFTC, Calif. -- MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER, CALIF.- The family of World War II Hospital Apprentice 1st Class Robert E. Bush visited the Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California on March 13, 2023. Command staff of the Naval Hospital, officially Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Twentynine Palms, (NMRTC 29 Palms) led the family through the facility showing history that commemorates Bush.

“My kids have only heard stories secondhand, so to be able to hear and witness his legacy and what he stood for… I think that’s the kind of character traits I want to instill in them,” said Kimberly Flowers, the granddaughter of Bush.

The Naval Hospital on Twentynine Palms is named after Robert E. Bush, who served in WWII during the battle for Okinawa. During the battle, he disregarded the dangers of warfare to administer plasma to a wounded Marine Corps officer while simultaneously combating the enemy forces that were pushing against them. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions. Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital is one of many facilities named after prominent figures of the past.

“Carrying on their legacy is the main important reason why we see buildings named after admirable leaders,” said U.S. Navy Lt. j.g. Stephanie Williams, Operations Management Department head, NMRTC 29 Palms. “I think that really helps generations understand the dedication and commitment that’s needed to fill certain roles.”

The family of Bush brought in a photo depicting the same action as seen at the monument in front of the entrance of the Hospital. The statue depicts bush during his heroic actions on Okinawa.

During the visit, the family was given a tour of the building where they were shown the different mementos, plaques, and dedications to Bush. They were introduced to service members and shown various hospital functions to display the medical facility's capabilities.