The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant John “L” Butts, Jr. (NSN: 0-106599), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while acting as Pilot of a Bomber type aircraft on a search over enemy territory in company with one fighter plane in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands on 25 October 1944. He sighted enemy warships and successfully transmitted this important message and then proceeded to make a bombing attack in the face of aerial opposition and intense anti-aircraft fire, strafing in his dive and doing much damage to the enemy. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant John “L” Butts, Jr. (NSN: 0-106599), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Bomber aircraft assigned to an attack upon an enemy heavy cruiser in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands on 5 November 1944. In spite of enemy air opposition and intense and continuous anti-aircraft fire, he pressed his attack extremely low and contributed appreciably to the sinking of this enemy warship. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.