Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] Homer J. Butler (ASN: 0-2018283), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. During a fanatical enemy attack on friendly positions in the vicinity of Saga, Korea, on 31 August 1950, a machine gun covering the main avenue of approach failed to function. Moving through deadly hostile fire Captain Butler carried the weapon some 200 yards to the rear, repaired the damage and returned to the forward position. Although the enemy had advance to within grenade range, he placed the gun in operation and inflicted severe casualties on t he hostile horde. When the supply of ammunition and grenades became low he again crossed the fire-swept terrain to replenish the supply. Captain Butler’s indomitable courage and dauntless determination reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant]

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    35th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 22, 1950

    Also: Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 77 (January 28, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] Homer J. Butler (ASN: 0-2018283), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. Near Chinju, Korea, on 22 September 1950, Captain Butler’s advance guard was confronted by an enemy well-entrenched on a commanding cliff. Quickly reconnoitering the hostile positions, he skillfully maneuvered his unit for an assault. Despite a constant hail of enemy fire, he crawled along a nearby ditch to a vantage point and supervised the attack. When communications with mortar support failed. He again crawled down the ditch under heavy machine gun fire, traversed the open road, contacted the mortar section and exposed himself to direct their fire. When false orders were transmitted through a captured radio, he immediately crawled and ran to his assault force, arriving just as authentic orders came to displace. He reorganized his men and, with all his wounded, successfully evacuated to new positions. Captain Butler’s tactical skill, courage, and inspirational leadership are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.