The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Specialist Fourth Class Freeman Arthur Butler, Jr. (ASN: RA_10822156), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam on 1 May 1968. On this date, Specialist Butler was serving as a rifleman with his unit on an ambush patrol near the village of Lai Khe. As the friendly force proceeded through the dense jungle, it was suddenly subjected to intense enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire. Specialist Butler immediately moved to the point of heaviest contact. While placing a suppressive barrage on the insurgents’ locations, he observed a Viet Cong fortification from which the heaviest fire was originating. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Specialist Butler dauntlessly led another soldier through the hail of hostile rounds toward the emplacement. When they approached the enemy position, a hand grenade was thrown from it which exploded, seriously injuring Specialist Butler and killing his comrade. Ignoring his painful wound, he assaulted the bunker and killed the occupants with a devastating barrage from his weapon. He remained exposed to sporadic sniper fire as he carried his companion’s body back to the friendly unit. His exemplary courage, initiative, and bold determination significantly contributed to the successful outcome of the encounter. Specialist Fourth Class Butler’s unquestionable valor in close combat against numerically superior hostile forces is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.