The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Warrant Officer Two (CW-2) Richard E. Butler, Jr. (ASN: W-3154137), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 189th Assault Helicopter Company, 1st Aviation Brigade, in action on 30 January 1968. Chief Warrant Officer Butler distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Pilot of an armed helicopter in a combat operation at Kontum. Upon arriving, he spotted mortar and machine gun positions and immediately directed the flight to the enemy positions. He placed deadly accurate mini-gun fire and directed his crews’ fire towards suppressing the enemy. After expending his ordnance, the gunship landed at Kontum to re-arm and re-fuel. The ships were directed to proceed to a suspected enemy rocket battalion emplacement northeast of Kontum. On one firing pass, Chief Warrant Officer Butler’s aircraft was hit by a 37-mm. explosive round, and he received multiple wounds in his left leg. He permitted evacuation only after the fire team had expended their ordnance. As a result of his efforts, the ground attack on Kontum was disrupted and many lives were saved. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.