The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Seth S. Botts (ASN: 0-339785), United States Army, for gallantry in while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of Aachen, Germany, on 19 October 1944. When an enemy tank impeding the advance of assault troops destroyed the building in which his rocket-gun team was located, Captain Botts fearlessly exposed himself to extricate the men from the wreckage. In the face of continuing cannon and machine-gun fire, he skillfully maneuvered the group to another position and, with accurately aimed shells, forced the hostile vehicle to withdraw. Captain Botts’ gallant actions and outstanding leadership enabled his organization to advance and attain its objective. Captain Botts’ aggressive leadership and personal gallantry reflect great credit upon the Armed Forces of the United States.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Seth S. Botts (ASN: 0-339785), United States Army, for gallantry in while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of Haaren, Germany, on 10 October 1944. Encountering heavy mortar bombardment while leading an assault upon the factory district of Aachen, Captain Botts skillfully maneuvered troops and vehicles from the impact area and resumed progress toward the objective. Reaching a fortified building, he seized a German soldier and, using him as a shield, searched the structure and effected capture of numerous prisoners. Captain Botts’ aggressive leadership and personal gallantry reflect great credit upon the Armed Forces of the United States.