Charles Vernon Bush, born December 17, 1939, was one of the first three African-Americans to enter the US Air Force Academy in 1959. Bush became the first African-American to graduate from the USAFA in 1963.
In 1964, he completed schooling at Air Intelligence Officers School in Denver, Colorado in November. He volunteered for an assignment to a special intelligence unit during the Vietnam War in 1966. He became fluent in Vietnamese, and was transferred to the 6499th Special Activities Group in Saigon. He was awarded the Bronze Star by 7th Air Force and the Joint Services Commendation Medal by Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. The 6499th Special Activities Group was awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.
He received an Honorable Discharge in August 1970. He worked in business for several different companies until his retirement.
He passed away in November 2012 from colon cancer in Montana.
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