The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Robert O. Butler (ASN: 0-446371), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 320th Glider Field Artillery Battalion, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 8 October 1944, near ****, Holland. First Lieutenant Butler, Executive Officer of Battery B, at risk of his own life saved 40 Howitzer shells from destruction after the ammunition pit had been struck by enemy artillery. Six rounds had fallen into the Howitzer position and started fires in the ammunition. He unhesitatingly jumped into the pit, removed a burning shell and extinguished the fires while enemy shells were falling in the position. First Lieutenant Butler’s prompt and heroic action prevented an explosion which might have destroyed a Howitzer and imperiled the lives of his battery. His exemplary courage was a credit to himself and the Airborne Forces of the United States Army.