William Clayton Butler, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to William Clayton Butler, Jr., Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving on board the Light Cruiser U.S.S. BOISE (CL-47), during action against enemy Japanese naval forces off Savo Island during the Battle of Cape Esperance on the night of 11 – 12 October 1942. Lieutenant Commander Butler’s conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.