The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant John Charles Butler, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Company Gunnery Sergeant of Combined Action Company 1-1, 1st Combined Operations Group, THIRD Marine Amphibious Force in connection with military operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On the evening of 9 May 1968, a combat patrol from Combined Action Company 1-1 was ambushed by a large enemy force near Tam Ky in Quang Tri Province and immediately requested assistance. Reacting instantly, Staff Sergeant Butler directed a reaction force to assist the beleaguered unit while he maneuvered a vehicle to the ambush site. Upon arrival, he skillfully directed the fire of his men and simultaneously delivered a heavy volume of accurate grenade launcher fire upon the hostile emplacements. Unable to locate the friendly casualties in the darkness, he fearlessly illuminated the area with his vehicle’s headlights. Ignoring the intense enemy fire, he supervised the embarkation of the casualties aboard the vehicle and transported them to a more secure area for helicopter evacuation. On 14 May, an ambush patrol engaged a large hostile force and requested reinforcements. Unhesitatingly leading a reaction unit to the site, Staff Sergeant Butler skillfully adjusted supporting arms fire on the enemy positions and launched an aggressive ground assault against the emplacements. Largely due to his superb leadership, his unit accounted for ten hostile soldiers confirmed killed without sustaining any friendly casualties. On 24 ay, he skillfully led an eight-man patrol which ambushed two platoons of enemy soldiers. Despite being seriously wounded during the fierce fire fight, he continued to effectively control his unit. After skillfully withdrawing his men, he quickly adjusted artillery fire on the enemy positions, accounting for fifteen enemy soldiers confirmed killed. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty, Staff Sergeant Butler upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.