William H. Butts

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) William Howard Butts (ASN: 0-1322974), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 20 May 1951, near Pugan-ni, Korea, L Company was attacking enemy-held positions on Hill 492. As Lieutenant Butts and his platoon advanced across an open rice paddy about 25 yards from a river, they were pinned down by the severe firepower from the advantageously located hostile emplacements on the summit above. Ignoring the intense fire sweeping the area, Lieutenant Butts moved among his men, helping them to their feet and encouraging them to continue to move forward. Wading into the river, he led them unfalteringly through the swift waist-high water to the opposite side, where the intensity of the enemy fire became even greater. The platoon advanced approximately 500 yards further under the increased enemy defensive efforts, when it was once more halted and pinned down. Lieutenant Butts, then effectively grouping the unit, personally led the platoon in a bayonet assault on the hill. The charge carried the troops to within a short distance of the objective and Lieutenant Butts was spiritedly urging them onward when he fell mortally wounded by the hostile fusillade. The daring gallantry and inspirational leadership exhibited by Lieutenant Butts reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.