Ruey Young Bussey was a professional American football quarterback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League.
Background
Ruey Young Bussey was born in Timpson, Texas, and the youngest child of Katie Lee (Katherine L Hughes) Bussey and Thomas Wade Bussey. When his mother became become the head of the household, Young and his brother worked to help to support the family delivering milk.
Education
At age 12, Young had become so coordinated that his teacher had to “rig” the softball teams during recess to help prevent Young from dominating the game.
Career
Bussey was killed in action during World World War World War II The family later moved to Humble, located near Houston. Young"s father worked several odd jobs, before landing a supervisory position at a firm that manufactured train equipment. However, in 1928, Tom mysteriously disappeared from the family, and later died in March 1935.
He attracted the attention of local sports writers in Houston while attending San Jacinto High School, which was located in an affluent area of Houston.
Young"s skills and antics drew unequalled crowds to Houston high school games. At Louisiana State University, where he studied engineering.
However even though he was an outstanding athlete, he routinely clashed with the school"s coaching staff and administrators. Bulldog Turner, a teammate with the Chicago Bears, later said that "Coaching Young was nearly impossible."
World World War II
Young was playing for the Bears the day Pearl Harbor was bombed.
He decided to leave the NFL to join the Navy in 1942.
In 1944 his unit was assigned to liberate the Philippines from Japanese occupation. Young took part in the invasion, despite his premonition that he would not survive the campaign. During the battle, Young received several commendations for “courageous conduct.” His craft was later hit by a Japanese shell.
His body was never recovered.
The LCVP or Higgins Boat, on which Young Bussey attacked the beach, was off course and consequently was in direct fire from Japanese shore guns. Higgins Boat crew #11, also attacking the beach, signaled to Young"s craft that they were off course.
The Young craft continued toward the beach and received a direct hit. According to eye witness accounts, Young was last seen swimming toward a miniature Japanese submarine, which were present the day of the invasion.
He said he was going to capture the submarine.
His body was never foundation The Busseys held deep roots in Timpson, Texas,since 1864. Ancestor, George Bussey, who was born in Maryland c.1735, reportedly served with George Washington during the American Revolution.
Membership
This information is from a seaman 1st class on the United States Ship Warren APA53 and a member of Higgins Boat crew #11.