16 Feb 1967
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
SILVER STAR MEDAL posthumously to
SERGEANT ROBERT H. BUTLER, JR.
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
for service as set forth In the following
CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity In action while serving as a Squad Leader in
Company, M, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines on search and destroy operations against the
North Vietnamese Army in. the Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam on 18 July 1966.
Company M landed by helicopter in Quang Tre Province and immediately came under intense
enemy automatic weapons and small-arms fire. Sergeant Butler, spotting an enemy
machine-gun emplacement, maneuvered his squad in an attempt to destroy the vital position.
Due to dense vegetation, he lost momentary contact with his squad. Unhesitatingly, he
single-handedly continued the attack exposing himself to devastating fire, and with
complete disregard for his own personal safety, engaged the machine-gun position at close
range and succeeded In destroying it. Shortly thereafter, Sergeant Butler was mortally
wounded by sniper fire. His daring actions in the face of almost certain death served as a
great inspiration to the men of his squad. By his heroic initiative, indomitable fighting
spirit and unwavering devotion to duty, he upheld the traditions of the Marine Corps and
the United States Naval Service. He Gallantly gave his life for his country.
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
HEADQUARTERS. FLEET MARINE FORCE. PACIFIC
FPO, SAN FRANCISCO, 96602
