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 Captain (Infantry) Benjamin Joseph Butler, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of an Infantry Company of the 168th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 29 and 30 November 1943, near Pantano, Italy. While under heavy fire, Captain Butler personally led his company in an attack against the enemy. After gaining its first objective, the company was counter attacked by the enemy who broke through the company’s right flank. Captain Butler took one squad of a flank platoon, led this small group forward to stop the enemy, and then rallied his company to regain lost ground. That afternoon the enemy attacked again, and Captain Butler immediately left his place of safety to lead elements of his company through heavy fire in a bayonet charge against the enemy. His actions inspired his men to break up the attack. Throughout the night, Captain Butler made constant inspections under enemy small arms fire, encouraging his men and keeping them on the alert against further attack. The following afternoon the enemy assaulted again. During this action Captain Butler made his way through heavy artillery, mortar and small arms fire to each platoon to direct the defense. Although wounded during this action, he continued to lead his men until his company was relieved. His courageous and gallant actions were an inspiration to the officers and men serving under him and exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States, reflecting great credit upon himself, the 34th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.