The Grundy County Museum, in its “Salute to the Troops” exhibit, is featuring a jump suit worn by Trenton native James D. Bush during his service in the Navy during the Vietnam War.
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The Grundy County Museum, in its “Salute to the Troops” exhibit, is featuring a jump suit worn by Trenton native James D. Bush during his service in the Navy during the Vietnam War.
Bush set the Far East military free-fall record at a height of 31,000 feet, which has not yet been broken. The altitude is higher than a cross-country jet travels.
The jumpsuit itself, called HALO for high altitude/ low opening, was an example of the military’s use of surprise. That type of parachuting is used to enter an area without a plane being heard or a man being seen until he opens his chute very close to the ground.
Jim, a volunteer, was assigned to the Navy’s special warfare units, Underwater Team Eleven and Seal Team One. Parachuting, scuba diving and demolitions were essential parts of his work. Jim visited 26 countries and earned 17 medals for his military service. In addition to the special parachute jump, his most memorable activities were working with the Atomic Energy Commission as an explosives technician, serving on recovery duty for the astronauts on Apollo 11 and taking part in a day-long demonstration for President John F. Kennedy.
Jim is a graduate of the Trenton High School class of 1958 and currently resides with his wife, Maggie, in Trenton.
The museum is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.