The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Virgil E. Butler (ASN: ER-17224114), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 17 May 1951, in the vicinity of Pungchon-ni, Korea. During a counterattack by his company on that date, Sergeant Butler, with complete indifference for the intense enemy automatic weapons and grenade fire directed at him, led his squad in a fierce charge on the enemy positions, using marching fire, grenades and finally the bayonet. Under his heroic leadership, the men of the squad swiftly overran the enemy and gained the objective. Sergeant Butler was killed in action two days later while leading a similar charge. The gallant and inspiring leadership displayed by Sergeant Butler reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.