Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Colonel

Unit:

21st Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division "Fighting Third", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded on:

June 23rd, 1950

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Arthur H. Butler (0-4069), Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the Twenty-First Marines, Third Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Marianas Islands, from 21 July to 10 August 1944. Landing with the initial assault troops in the face of intense hostile mortar fire, Colonel Butler moved forward to the base of the first captured high ground where, after a personal reconnaissance of the terrain, he launched an attack and seized the precipitous cliffs overlooking the entire beach area. When fanatical Japanese made repeated night attacks, culminating in a well-organized "Banzai" attack on the newly won positions, on the night of 25 - 26 July, he exercised personal leadership of his troops, coordinated support fire and directed the movement of units to strengthen the lines. In the advance until 28 July, Colonel Butler remained directly in the rear of advancing units and, by coordinating his Battalions, pushed through difficult terrain and successfully seized all objectives assigned to his command. By his outstanding professional skill, aggressive leadership and expert use of modern military tactics in the face of intense and continuous hostile gunfire, Colonel Butler was instrumental in effecting the recapture of Guam by our forces, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 00893 (June 23, 1950).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Colonel

"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Pacific Theater of Operations during the period from 24 February to 16 March 1945."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Colonel

"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Pacific Theater of Operations during the period from 10 November 1943 to 9 January 1944."

Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit & "V" device