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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Charles Lewis Butler (ASN: 0-62588), United States Army, for gallantry in action during the period 6 June 1972 to 21 June 1972, while serving with Advisory Team 51 as Advisor to the 31st Regiment, 21st Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. Colonel Butler was operating with a task force at Tan Khai to establish and maintain a base from which to provide fire support for the most forward elements of the division engaged in relieving the siege on An Loc. Realizing the importance of the Tan Khai base to the friendly forces, the enemy relentlessly subjected the base to fierce ground attacks and a heavy volume of mortar, artillery and rocket fire. Colonel Butler, without regard for his own safety repeatedly walked the perimeter checking the defensive positions and providing advise and assistance to the Vietnamese in establishing a sound defensive network. Repeatedly throughout this period he exposed himself to the intense enemy fire to request and direct numerous deadly effective artillery and tactical air strikes upon the enemy. He succeeded in influencing the Army of the Republic of Vietnam in the division to probe and expand the perimeter of the Tan Khai base to reduce the enemy mortar and anti-aircraft sites in the area. Through his untiring efforts he was instrumental to the artillery units firing counter mortar fire during enemy attacks. Colonel Butler by his demonstrated courage and personal example inspired and exhorted the friendly troops to excel and to maintain the vital base at Tan Khai. Lieutenant Colonel Butler’s conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    December 15, 1950
    Headquarters, EIGHTH U.S. Army, Korea, General Orders No. 132 (March 11, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Charles Lewis Butler (ASN: 0-62588), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Second Lieutenant Butler distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Singyang-ni, Korea, on 15 December 1950. Lieutenant Butler was in command of Task Force FOX, which had been organized in an attempt to relieve a platoon of Company G when it was enveloped by a numerically superior enemy force. While en route to the objective area, his task force was ambushed. With no thought for his personal safety, he was continuously in the forefront of the battle, rallying his men on to their objective. In the ensuing fierce encounter, he was wounded in the left arm. Despite his painful wound, he continued to press his men forward, reassuring them with words of encouragement as they advanced. It was then that he received a second wound, in the abdomen. Even though seriously wounded, he refused medical attention and continued the attack with the assistance of his platoon sergeant. When the order was received to withdraw, he was unable to walk but requested that he be lifted onto the tank so that he could fire the machine gun mounted on the turret to support his platoon in the withdrawal from its encircled position. Through this action, his extreme coolness under fire, though suffering much pain, served to inspire his men, thereby facilitating the successful withdrawal of his force with a minimum of casualties. Second Lieutenant Butler’s heroic action, indomitable courage and sustained devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the finest traditions of the military service.