Jerilyn Ann Heise was only thirteen months old when her Marine father who was commissioned 2nd Lt George S. Bussa after receiving the Silver Star 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.

Jerilyn Ann Heise was only thirteen months old when her Marine father who was commissioned 2nd Lt George S. Bussa after receiving the Silver Star 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.