The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Butler Bailey Fowler, Jr. (ASN: 0-409736), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, in action against enemy forces while serving with an Infantry Company of the 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action in January 1943 at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. On 10 January 1943, Lieutenant Fowler led a three man patrol to select an approach to a battalion objective and accomplish its mission. Observing a path in a gully, the patrol advanced down the hill an ambushed an enemy carrying-party of five men. The patrol then lay in wait and ambushed another enemy patrol of eight, killing two and dispersing the remainder. On 15 January 1943, Lieutenant Fowler joined a raiding party which advanced to the top of a ridge overlooking an enemy bivouac area. The patrol was met with machine gun and rifle fire at this point. When the men appeared hesitant about continuing the advance, Lieutenant Fowler, accompanied by two other officers, led the advance into the bivouac area. In the battle that followed eighty-nine Japanese were killed and one artillery gun, one heavy machine gun, and a number of small arms were captured. Lieutenant Fowler was wounded in the abdomen, but refused evacuation until ordered to submit to same by his superiors. First Lieutenant Fowler’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.