The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain James Thomas Butler (MCSN: 0-90634), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (HMM-164), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 12 February 1968, during Operation HUE CITY, Captain Butler launched as Aircraft Commander of a CH-46 transport helicopter on a mission to evacuate several wounded Vietnamese soldiers from a besieged compound outside the city of Hue. After a high-speed, low-level flight over hostile territory, he arrived over the designated area and commenced an approach to the zone when his aircraft came under heavy enemy automatic weapons, machine gun and small arms fire and sustained several hits. Realizing that the casualties were not in the zone, he elected to abort his landing and maintained an orbit until the wounded were prepared for evacuation. Approaching the compound for the second time, he again came under intense fire, however, Captain Butler landed his aircraft in the confined zone and was preparing to embark the wounded men when the area came under a heavy mortar barrage. Simultaneously, approximately thirty enemy soldiers began advancing toward the helicopter which was sustaining severe damage from impacting mortar rounds. Disregarding his own safety, Captain Butler directed his crew’s fire against the attackers and fearlessly maintained his precarious position for ten minutes until the casualties could be placed aboard the helicopter. Then, continuing to direct fire against enemy positions, he lifted his battle damaged aircraft out of the zone and proceeded to the medical facility at Phu Bai. By his courage, resolute determination and selfless devotion to duty, Captain Butler was instrumental in saving several lives and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.