The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Albert M. Butler (ASN: 0-335220), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, France, 10 to 12 September 1944. Colonel Butler was assigned the task of establishing a bridgehead across the **** River on 10 September 1944; in the face of fire of all types from an enemy in strong positions on the eastern bank of the river, determined to thwart a crossing by our forces. Reconnoitering well forward under enemy observation and fire, in advance of his troops, Colonel Butler reached the west bank of the river and entered a small village being shelled intermittently. After he had satisfied himself with three possible sites to effect a river crossing, he retraced his steps under cover of darkness, personally led his battalion to the river bank and deployed the companies. The following morning, Colonel Butler and the leading elements of the battalion entered boats, but were three times repelled by intense enemy fire and forced to take cover. Realizing the necessity of further reconnaissance, Colonel Butler personally covered five hundred yards of river bank and found a new bridgehead site. He then led his men across the river from this point, and so skillfully and rapidly conducted the movement, that the enemy was taken by surprise, the east bank bridgehead established and the battalion enabled to continue to its objective. Colonel Butler’s dynamic leadership, his personal courage and gallantry in action were factors of importance in breaking the enemy’s **** River line, and reflect high credit upon his character as an officer and upon the military service.