Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Comments His military decorations included the Navy Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with gold star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with four gold stars, Joint Service Commendation Me... His military decorations included the Navy Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with gold star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with four gold stars, Joint Service Commendation Medal and Navy Commendation Medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Comments His military decorations included the Navy Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with gold star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with four gold stars, Joint Service Commendation Me... His military decorations included the Navy Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with gold star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with four gold stars, Joint Service Commendation Medal and Navy Commendation Medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by exceptionally meritorious ser... The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by exceptionally meritorious service to the Government in a duty of great responsibility. MoreHide
Comments His military decorations included the Navy Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with gold star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with four gold stars, Joint Service Commendation Me... His military decorations included the Navy Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with gold star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with four gold stars, Joint Service Commendation Medal and Navy Commendation Medal. -- Rear Admiral John Lewis Butts, United States Navy, was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. MoreHide
Criteria The Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States without degree for exceptionally outstanding conduct in the performance of meritorious service to the United States. ... The Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States without degree for exceptionally outstanding conduct in the performance of meritorious service to the United States. The performance must merit recognition by individuals in a key position which was performed in a clearly exceptional manner. MoreHide
Comments His military decorations included the Navy Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with gold star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with four gold stars, Joint Service Commendation Me... His military decorations included the Navy Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with gold star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with four gold stars, Joint Service Commendation Medal and Navy Commendation Medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Joint Service Commendation Medal is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces who, while assigned to a joint activity, distinguish themselves by outstanding ac... The Joint Service Commendation Medal is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces who, while assigned to a joint activity, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not to an extent that would justify award of the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. MoreHide
Comments His military decorations included the Navy Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with gold star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with four gold stars, Joint Service Commendation Me... His military decorations included the Navy Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with gold star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with four gold stars, Joint Service Commendation Medal and Navy Commendation Medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal may be awarded to service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievem... The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal may be awarded to service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement or meritorious service (but not of sufficient nature to warrant a higher decoration). MoreHide
Comments His military decorations included the Navy Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with gold star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with four gold stars, Joint Service Commendation Me... His military decorations included the Navy Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with gold star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with four gold stars, Joint Service Commendation Medal and Navy Commendation Medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States without degree for exceptionally outstanding conduct in the performance of meritorious service to the United States. ... The Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States without degree for exceptionally outstanding conduct in the performance of meritorious service to the United States. The performance must merit recognition by individuals in a key position which was performed in a clearly exceptional manner. MoreHide
Comments His military decorations included the Navy Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with gold star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with four gold stars, Joint Service Commendation Me... His military decorations included the Navy Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with gold star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with four gold stars, Joint Service Commendation Medal and Navy Commendation Medal. - - Rear Admiral John Lewis Butts, United States Navy, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. MoreHide
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Criteria The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of Sout... The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of South Vietnam. The actions cited are for the same services that would have resulted in the award of a Valorous Unit Citation by the Army or a Navy Unit Citation MoreHide
Criteria This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical l... This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical limits of South Vietnam and contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces for an aggregate of six months. Only members of the Armed Forces of the United States who meet the criteria established for the AFEM (Vietnam) or Vietnam Service Medal during the period of service required are considered to have contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces; or 3. Did not complete the length of service required in item (1) or (2) above, but who, during wartime, were: a. Wounded by the enemy (in a military action); b. Captured by the enemy during action or in the line of duty, but later rescued or released; or c. Killed in action or in the line of duty; or 4. Were assigned in Vietnam on 28 Jan 73, and who served a minimum of 60 calendar days in Vietnam during the period 29 Jan 73 to 28 Mar 73. MoreHide
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Criteria
The Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation is a military unit award issued by the government of South Korea to both South Korean and foreign military units.
Criteria The United Nations Korean Medal was generally awarded for any period of service while assigned as a member of the Armed Forces dispatched to Korea or adjacent areas for service on behalf of the United... The United Nations Korean Medal was generally awarded for any period of service while assigned as a member of the Armed Forces dispatched to Korea or adjacent areas for service on behalf of the United Nations. Service in qualifying organizations had to be certified by the United Nations Commander-in-Chief as having directly supported military operations in Korea. In the case of the United States, such certification was issued in General Orders 31 (June 20, 1955); General Orders 33 (July 11, 1955); and General Orders 36 (July 13, 1955). MoreHide
Criteria To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignm... To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignment or on temporary duty for thirty consecutive days or sixty non-consecutive days, and Performed duty within the territorial limits of Korea, in the waters immediately adjacent thereto or in aerial flight over Korea participating in actual combat operation or in support of combat operations. MoreHide
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Comments His military decorations included the Navy Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with gold star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with four gold stars, Joint Service Commendation Me... His military decorations included the Navy Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with gold star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with four gold stars, Joint Service Commendation Medal and Navy Commendation Medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Comments His military decorations included the Navy Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with gold star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with four gold stars, Joint Service Commendation Me... His military decorations included the Navy Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with gold star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with four gold stars, Joint Service Commendation Medal and Navy Commendation Medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or aft... The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or after December 7, 1941. MoreHide
Description The crew of Lexington received the Presidential Unit Citation for heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces, 11 battle stars for major engagements during World War II service, and other awards.
... The crew of Lexington received the Presidential Unit Citation for heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces, 11 battle stars for major engagements during World War II service, and other awards.
MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Criteria The Philippine Liberation Medal was awarded for service in the liberation of the Philippines from October 17, 1944, to September 2, 1945. In order to qualify, one of the following provisions must be m... The Philippine Liberation Medal was awarded for service in the liberation of the Philippines from October 17, 1944, to September 2, 1945. In order to qualify, one of the following provisions must be met: Participation in the initial landing operation of Leyte and adjoining islands from October 7-20, 1944; or, Participation in any engagement against the enemy during the Philippine Liberation Campaign; or, Service in the Philippine Islands or in ships in Philippine wates for not less than 30 days during the period of October 17, 1944 to September 2, 1945. MoreHide
Criteria The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation is a unit decoration of the Republic of the Philippines. It has been awarded to certain units of the United States military for actions both during and subseq... The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation is a unit decoration of the Republic of the Philippines. It has been awarded to certain units of the United States military for actions both during and subsequent to the Second World War. MoreHide
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant John "L" Butts, Jr. (NSN: 0-106599), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron NINETEEN (VB-19), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), in action against Japanese Fleet units in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands on 24 October 1944. He made a dive bombing run with his flight and his bomb failed to release, whereupon he circled for altitude and in spite of extremely intense and continuous anti-aircraft fire from enemy capital ships, daringly made a one plane bombing attack upon an enemy cruiser and strafed other enemy capital chips. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant John "L" Butts, Jr. (NSN: 0-106599), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while acting as Pilot of a Bomber type aircraft on a search over enemy territory in company with one fighter plane in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands on 25 October 1944. He sighted enemy warships and successfully transmitted this important message and then proceeded to make a bombing attack in the face of aerial opposition and intense anti-aircraft fire, strafing in his dive and doing much damage to the enemy. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant John "L" Butts, Jr. (NSN: 0-106599), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Bomber aircraft assigned to an attack upon an enemy heavy cruiser in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands on 5 November 1944. In spite of enemy air opposition and intense and continuous anti-aircraft fire, he pressed his attack extremely low and contributed appreciably to the sinking of this enemy warship. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant John "L" Butts, Jr. (NSN: 0-106599), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron NINETEEN (VB-19), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), in action against Japanese Fleet units in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands on 24 October 1944. He made a dive bombing run with his flight and his bomb failed to release, whereupon he circled for altitude and in spite of extremely intense and continuous anti-aircraft fire from enemy capital ships, daringly made a one plane bombing attack upon an enemy cruiser and strafed other enemy capital chips. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant John "L" Butts, Jr. (NSN: 0-106599), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while acting as Pilot of a Bomber type aircraft on a search over enemy territory in company with one fighter plane in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands on 25 October 1944. He sighted enemy warships and successfully transmitted this important message and then proceeded to make a bombing attack in the face of aerial opposition and intense anti-aircraft fire, strafing in his dive and doing much damage to the enemy. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant John "L" Butts, Jr. (NSN: 0-106599), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Bomber aircraft assigned to an attack upon an enemy heavy cruiser in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands on 5 November 1944. In spite of enemy air opposition and intense and continuous anti-aircraft fire, he pressed his attack extremely low and contributed appreciably to the sinking of this enemy warship. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Criteria The Navy Cross may be awarded to any person who, while serving with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguishes himself in action by extraordinary heroism not justifying an award of the Medal of Honor.... The Navy Cross may be awarded to any person who, while serving with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguishes himself in action by extraordinary heroism not justifying an award of the Medal of Honor. MoreHide
Comments His military decorations included the Navy Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with gold star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with four gold stars, Joint Service Commendation Me... His military decorations included the Navy Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with gold star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with four gold stars, Joint Service Commendation Medal and Navy Commendation Medal.
Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant John "L" Butts, Jr. (NSN: 0-106599), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron NINETEEN (VB-19), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), in action against Japanese Fleet units in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands on 24 October 1944. He made a dive bombing run with his flight and his bomb failed to release, whereupon he circled for altitude and in spite of extremely intense and continuous anti-aircraft fire from enemy capital ships, daringly made a one plane bombing attack upon an enemy cruiser and strafed other enemy capital chips. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0766 (October 30, 1944)
Action Date: October 24, 1944
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant
Company: Bombing Squadron 19 (VB-19)
Division: U.S.S. Lexington (CV-16) MoreHide
Criteria The Distinguished Flying Cross may be awarded to military members who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism or outstanding achievement while participa... The Distinguished Flying Cross may be awarded to military members who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism or outstanding achievement while participating in aerial flight. MoreHide
Comments His military decorations included the Navy Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with gold star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with four gold stars, Joint Service Commendation Me... His military decorations included the Navy Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with gold star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with four gold stars, Joint Service Commendation Medal and Navy Commendation Medal.
Distinguished Flying Cross
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant John "L" Butts, Jr. (NSN: 0-106599), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while acting as Pilot of a Bomber type aircraft on a search over enemy territory in company with one fighter plane in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands on 25 October 1944. He sighted enemy warships and successfully transmitted this important message and then proceeded to make a bombing attack in the face of aerial opposition and intense anti-aircraft fire, strafing in his dive and doing much damage to the enemy. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0766 (October 30, 1944)
Action Date: October 25, 1944
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant
Company: Bombing Squadron 19 (VB-19)
Division: U.S.S. Lexington (CV-16) MoreHide
Criteria The Distinguished Flying Cross may be awarded to military members who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism or outstanding achievement while participa... The Distinguished Flying Cross may be awarded to military members who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism or outstanding achievement while participating in aerial flight. MoreHide
Comments Distinguished Flying Cross (second award)
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of ... Distinguished Flying Cross (second award)
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant John "L" Butts, Jr. (NSN: 0-106599), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Bomber aircraft assigned to an attack upon an enemy heavy cruiser in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands on 5 November 1944. In spite of enemy air opposition and intense and continuous anti-aircraft fire, he pressed his attack extremely low and contributed appreciably to the sinking of this enemy warship. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description The Battle of the Philippine Sea (June 19–20, 1944) was a major naval battle of World War II that eliminated the Imperial Japanese Navy's ability to conduct large-scale carrier actions. It took place The Battle of the Philippine Sea (June 19–20, 1944) was a major naval battle of World War II that eliminated the Imperial Japanese Navy's ability to conduct large-scale carrier actions. It took place during the United States' amphibious invasion of the Mariana Islands during the Pacific War. The battle was the last of five major "carrier-versus-carrier" engagements between American and Japanese naval forces, and pitted elements of the United States Navy's Fifth Fleet against ships and aircraft of the Imperial Japanese Navy's Mobile Fleet and nearby island garrisons.
The aerial part of the battle was nicknamed the Great Marianas Turkey Shoot by American aviators for the severely disproportional loss ratio inflicted upon Japanese aircraft by American pilots and anti-aircraft gunners. During a debriefing after the first two air battles a pilot from USS Lexington remarked "Why, hell, it was just like an old-time turkey shoot down home!" The outcome is generally attributed to American improvements in pilot and crew training and tactics, technology (including the top-secret anti-aircraft proximity fuze), and ship and aircraft design. Although at the time the battle appeared to be a missed opportunity to destroy the Japanese fleet, the Imperial Japanese Navy had lost the bulk of its carrier air strength and would never recover. During the course of the battle, American submarines torpedoed and sank two of the largest Japanese fleet carriers taking part in the battle.
This was the largest carrier-to-carrier battle in history.... More
Memories The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to LieutenThe President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant John "L" Butts, Jr. (NSN: 0-106599), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron NINETEEN (VB-19), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), in action against Japanese Fleet units in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands on 24 October 1944. He made a dive bombing run with his flight and his bomb failed to release, whereupon he circled for altitude and in spite of extremely intense and continuous anti-aircraft fire from enemy capital ships, daringly made a one plane bombing attack upon an enemy cruiser and strafed other enemy capital chips. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant John "L" Butts, Jr. (NSN: 0-106599), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while acting as Pilot of a Bomber type aircraft on a search over enemy territory in company with one fighter plane in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands on 25 October 1944. He sighted enemy warships and successfully transmitted this important message and then proceeded to make a bombing attack in the face of aerial opposition and intense anti-aircraft fire, strafing in his dive and doing much damage to the enemy. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant John "L" Butts, Jr. (NSN: 0-106599), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Bomber aircraft assigned to an attack upon an enemy heavy cruiser in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands on 5 November 1944. In spite of enemy air opposition and intense and continuous anti-aircraft fire, he pressed his attack extremely low and contributed appreciably to the sinking of this enemy warship. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.... More
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Criteria The American Defense Service Medal was awarded for service in the Armed Forces between September 8, 1939, and December 7, 1941. Army members had to serve 12 months to be eligible, but Navy and Marine ... The American Defense Service Medal was awarded for service in the Armed Forces between September 8, 1939, and December 7, 1941. Army members had to serve 12 months to be eligible, but Navy and Marine Corps members were eligible based on any length of service. MoreHide
Criteria The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or,... The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or, an aggregate service of one year within the Continental United States during the same period under the following circumstances: On permanent assignment outside the continental limits of the United States; or, On permanent assignment as a member of a crew of a vessel sailing ocean waters for a period of 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service outside the continental limits of the United States in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non consecutive days; or, For service in active combat against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat; or, For service within the continental limits of the United States for an aggregate period of one year. MoreHide
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant John "L" Butts, Jr. (NSN: 0-106599), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron NINETEEN (VB-19), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), in action against Japanese Fleet units in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands on 24 October 1944. He made a dive bombing run with his flight and his bomb failed to release, whereupon he circled for altitude and in spite of extremely intense and continuous anti-aircraft fire from enemy capital ships, daringly made a one plane bombing attack upon an enemy cruiser and strafed other enemy capital chips. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant John "L" Butts, Jr. (NSN: 0-106599), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while acting as Pilot of a Bomber type aircraft on a search over enemy territory in company with one fighter plane in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands on 25 October 1944. He sighted enemy warships and successfully transmitted this important message and then proceeded to make a bombing attack in the face of aerial opposition and intense anti-aircraft fire, strafing in his dive and doing much damage to the enemy. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant John "L" Butts, Jr. (NSN: 0-106599), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Bomber aircraft assigned to an attack upon an enemy heavy cruiser in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands on 5 November 1944. In spite of enemy air opposition and intense and continuous anti-aircraft fire, he pressed his attack extremely low and contributed appreciably to the sinking of this enemy warship. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.