Description
Limited edition of George Bush: His World War II Years by Robert B. Stinnett, signed on the half-title by former President George H.W. Bush.
Quarto, x, 208pp, [6]. Blue cloth, title in gilt on spine, signature in gilt on front cover. The first printing, with full number line on copyright page. This “special limited edition” was preceded by the first trade edition, published in 1991. Limitation statement on title page reads: “Special Limited Edition / Republican National Convention / Houston, Texas / August 1992.” In the publisher’s near fine dust jacket, retail price on front flap, touch of shelf wear on back panel, otherwise fine.
This copy is signed by George H.W. Bush on the half title, with a letter from the “Office of George Bush” affixed to the front pastedown.Â
George H.W. Bush enlisted in the U.S. Navy on his eighteenth birthday (June 1942) and became one of the youngest naval aviators of World War II. Assigned to Torpedo Squadron 51 aboard the USS San Jacinto, he flew TBM Avenger torpedo bombers in the Pacific Theater.
On September 2, 1944, during a bombing raid on the Japanese-held island of Chichi Jima, his aircraft was hit by enemy fire. Bush completed his attack run, bailed out over the ocean, and was rescued by the submarine USS Finback. His two crewmen, John Delaney and William White, were killed. Bush flew 58 combat missions and received the Distinguished Flying Cross, three Air Medals, and the Presidential Unit Citation.
