WWII Hero Gerald "Bush" White Passes Away

Bush will certainly be missed in and around Eagle Country.

Gerald "Bush" White with his daughter Diane. Photo provided.

(Ohio County, Ind.) - One of Ohio County’s last remaining World War II Veterans has died.

Gerald “Bush” White passed away early Thursday morning at the age of 96.

Bush is well known in the local area and was the last combat wounded warrior from World War II in Ohio County, which now has four living WWII Veterans.

From 1944-1946, Bush served in the U.S. Army and attained the rank of Tech 5. He served with Co. I, 41st Armored Infantry, 2nd Division.

He participated in some of the most historic battles known, including the Battle of the Bulge and was in the 3rd wave at Omaha Beach on D-Day.

Bush's medals include: Combat Infantryman’s Badge, WWII Occupation Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Expert Rifle Badge, Europe-Africa-Middle East Medal with three bronze stars, Bronze Star Medal, and the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in battle at Puffendorf, Germany.

In more recent memory, Bush has been honored by the Cincinnati Reds as a Hometown Hero and Purple Heart Recipient, in addition to many events for Veterans Day and other holidays.

As for his home life, Bush married Frances “Fannie” Poling in 1950. They would go on to have four children, 15 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Frances passed away in 2015 after 65 years of marriage.

“Bush is proud of his service to our great nation and very proud to be an American Veteran and Patriot,” said P.G. Gentrup.

Visitation will take place Monday, March 8 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Markland Funeral Home in Rising Sun. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 1:00 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made to the Rising Sun Fire Department or Rising Sun First Baptist Church. Visit, marklandfuneralhome.com.