2nd Lt. George S. Bussa has now been accounted for. In November 1943, Bussa was assigned to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, in an attempt to secure the island. Over several days of intense fighting at Tarawa, approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, but the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Bussa died sometime on the first day of battle, Nov. 20, 1943. The remains were turned over to DPAA in July 2015. Laboratory analysis was used in the identification of his remains. 2nd Lt. George S. Bussa, accounted for on April 19, 2017, will be buried October 10 in Arlington National Cemetery, near Washington, D.C.
Silver Star
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Platoon Sergeant George Stanley Bussa (MCSN: 0-26460/244661), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for gallantry in action on 15 January 1943, on Guadalcanal. After his platoon leader was evacuated for illness, Platoon Sergeant Bussa took command and personally led his platoon into action in the ravine west of Point Cruz and at all times fought bravely. Against heavy opposition the men under his leadership destroyed three enemy machine guns and other weapons. He accompanied the Company Commander and the Demolitions Officer into the enemy lines to locate targets. With the fire of his platoon he covered the demolition party while enemy positions were destroyed.
Action Date: January 15, 1943

Bussa, George Stanley, 2ndLt