That this problem persists today is in some respect due to the "control" over the
documentation and the history of the arms traffickers.
World War I was a disaster for civilized humanity. It had terrible, unprecedented
casualties, and shattering effects on the moral philosophy of Europeans and Americans.
But for a brief period, the war treated Prescott Bush rather well.
In June 1918, just as his father took over responsibility for relations of the government
with the private arms producers, Prescott went to Europe with the U.S. Army. His unit
did not come near any fire until September. But on August 8, 1918, the following item
appeared on the front page of Bush's hometown newspaper:
High Military Honors Conferred on Capt. Bush
For Notable Gallantry, When Leading Allied Commanders Were Endangered, Local Man
is Awarded French, English and U.S. Crosses.
International Honors, perhaps unprecedented in the life of an American soldier, have
been conferred upon Captain Prescott Sheldon Bush, son of Mr. and Mrs. S.P. Bush of
Columbus.
Upon young Bush ... were conferred: Cross of the Legion of Honor, ... Victoria Cross, ...
Distinguished Service Cross....
Conferring of the three decorations upon one man at one time implies recognition of a
deed of rare valor and probably of great military importance as well.
From word, which has reached Columbus during the last few days, it appears as if the
achievement of Captain Bush well measures up to these requirements.
The incident occurred on the western front about the time the Germans were launching
their great offensive of July 15.... The history of the remarkable victory scored later by
the allies might have been written in another vein, but for the heroic and quick action of
Captain Bush.
The ... three allied leaders, Gen. [Ferdinand] Foch, Sir Douglas Haig and Gen. [John J.]
Pershing ... were making an inspection of American positions. Gen. Pershing had sent for
Captain Bush to guide them about one sector.... Suddenly Captain Bush noticed a shell
coming directly for them. He shouted a warning, suddenly drew his bolo knife, stuck it up
as he would a ball bat, and parried the blow, causing the shell to glance off to the right....
Within 24 hours young Bush was notified ... [that] the three allied commanders had
recommended him for practically the highest honors within their gift.... Captain Bush is
23 years old, a graduate of Yale in the class of 1917. He was one of Yale's best- known