Samuel J. Bush
Samuel J. Bush was a US Navy sailor stationed aboard the battleship USS California with his brother, Leon W. Bush, in Pearl Harbor. A few minutes before 8 o'clock on a quiet Sunday morning, on December 7, 1941 (11:55 am Eastern time) the Japanese launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. The assault lasted less than two hours. There were over 3,500 casualties including 2,403 deaths. Battleships USS Arizona and USS Oklahoma were destroyed and USS California, USS Maryland, USS Nevada, USS Tennessee, and USS West Virginia were heavily damaged. The USS Arizona sunk and remains at the bottom of Pearl Harbor along with most of the 1,177 sailors and marines onboard. The USS Arizona continues to leak up to 9 quarts of oil each day. On December 8, 1941, the United States declared war against Japan. On December 11, 1941, Germany and Italy, allies with Japan, declared war on the US and the US officially entered World War II.
Adam W. Bush, Jr.
Adam W. Bush and his wife, Florence Jackson Sanders, had two sons 14 months apart. Samuel J. Bush was born on March 26, 1921 in Los Angeles. Sam's brother Leon W. Bush was born in Dale, SC. Adam was an Officer's Cook First Class (OC1c) and retired from the US Navy. He was also a Steward at Beaufort Post 9, The American Legion, while W.A. Lindberg was Commander and Chas Knott was Adjutant.
Dr. John L. Coaxum
We salute Dr. John L. Coaxum, our departed comrade and Post Adjutant, and thank Him for his contributions and service to our country, community, and Post. Dr. Coaxum transitioned to Post Everlasting on Friday, April 12, 2024. Post Everlasting is the final destination within the American Legion where our departed comrades transfer when they are called for duty by the Supreme Commander. "For God and Country."
Dr. Coaxum was a lifetime member of the Samuel J. Bush Post 207, the American Legion Department of South Carolina, where he was a Post Commander for one year, an Adjutant for 58 years, and a District Commander for 26 years. As District Commander, he organized five posts. Dr. Coaxum was Zone 5 Commander for two years and Chairman of the Credential Committee for six years. For two years he served as the Chairman of the Oratorical Committee. He attended several National conventions as well as several American Legion conferences in Washington, D.C. It was rare for Dr. Coaxum to ever miss an American Legion Post meeting, or a Department (State) convention or conference.
Dr. Coaxum received a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Allen University, a Masters from Southeastern Oklahoma University, and a PhD in Education Administration from Nova University. He retired from the Beaufort County School District after 34 years of dedicated service with eight years as an educator and 26 years as an administrator. Dr. Coaxum was a 27-year member of the Shriners who affirm religious tolerance, patriotism, freedom, charity, and integrity. He was a 26-year member of the Masons who are dedicated to fellowship, moral discipline, charity, and obedience of the law. Dr. Coaxum was a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and was presented with a Service award for 35 years of devotion and service and for exemplifying the Four Cardinal Principles; Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift. Dr. Coaxum was a member of Grace AME church where he was a steward and leader for 40 years.
Click here for Dr. John L. Coaxum's obituary at Chisolm Galloway Homes for Funerals.
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