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 Captain (Air Corps) Robert Lee Buttke (ASN: 0-740142), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement in aerial flight 10 February 1944 while leading a flight on a bomber escort mission to Brunswick, Germany. Seeing a straggling B-17 under attack by 3 enemy aircraft, he took his flight down to protect the bomber and destroyed one of the enemy. Alone, after this encounter, Captain Buttke was attacked by ME 210’s one of which he destroyed. One of his engines was shot out when 7 more enemy aircraft attacked him and Captain Buttke feathered his engine and started to come home on the deck. Crossing a field with damaged plane, his ship was struck by flak and further severely damaged, but Captain Buttke persevered in staying with his plane, although one engine was out and his compass and trim tabs useless. Finally reaching England after flying for 20 minutes through a heavy rain storm, he managed to set his plane down on a runway which was under construction, skillfully avoiding wires and obstacles. His skill, courage, perseverance and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
343d Fighter SquadronRegiment:
55th Fighter GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Robert Lee Buttke (ASN: 0-740142), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-38 Fighter Pilot of the 343d Fighter Squadron, 55th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
343d Fighter SquadronRegiment:
55th Fighter GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Robert Lee Buttke (ASN: 0-740142), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-38 Fighter Pilot of the 343d Fighter Squadron, 55th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
343d Fighter SquadronRegiment:
55th Fighter GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Robert Lee Buttke (ASN: 0-740142), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-38 Fighter Pilot of the 343d Fighter Squadron, 55th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.