The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Robert H. Butler, Jr. (MCSN: 1968622), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity In action while serving as a Squad Leader in Company, M, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines on search and destroy operations against the North Vietnamese Army in. the Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam on 18 July 1966. Company M landed by helicopter in Quang Tri Province and immediately came under intense enemy automatic weapons and small-arms fire. Sergeant Butler, spotting an enemy machine-gun emplacement, maneuvered his squad in an attempt to destroy the vital position. Due to dense vegetation, he lost momentary contact with his squad. Unhesitatingly, he single-handedly continued the attack exposing himself to devastating fire, and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, engaged the machine-gun position at close range and succeeded In destroying it. Shortly thereafter, Sergeant Butler was mortally wounded by sniper fire. His daring actions in the face of almost certain death served as a great inspiration to the men of his squad. By his heroic initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty, he upheld the traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He Gallantly gave his life for his country.