Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Technical Sergeant

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    143d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    36th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    August 15, 1944

    Headquarters, 36th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 487 (December 29, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Technical Sergeant Marlin L. Butler (ASN: 34709435), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action on 15 August 1944 in France. The Combat Platoon of the 2d Battalion was assigned the mission of reducing an enemy road block protected by mortars and machine guns well-emplaced in a nearby house. When tanks destroyed the road block, they drove forward to eliminate the strong point in the house. The battalion commander followed the tanks into the fire-swept area, and Sergeant Butler, Platoon Sergeant, voluntarily braved the heavy machine gun and mortar fire to afford protection for the officer. As two enemy soldiers stood up to surrender and moved toward the tanks, the battalion commander walked from behind the tanks and started forward. Sergeant Butler selflessly thrust himself in front of the officer to provide cover. When a third hostile soldier opened fire from a well-concealed position, Sergeant Butler, valiantly shielding his commanding officer, was mortally wounded by the machine pistol fire. His unselfish regard for the safety of the battalion commander and his heroic sacrifice inspired all who witnessed his deed.