Arthur Bell Butler
Major, U.S. Army

In July 1950, Major Arthur Bell Butler was serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in Korea.

On 25 July, MAJ Butler's unit was engaged with enemy forces near Sangn-yong, Korea. During the battle, a platoon of enemy forces moved down a river bed and threatened the right flank of the 2nd Battalion. One reinforced platoon from Company E was deployed to counter the attack of the enemy platoon. During the ensuing action, a second platoon of enemy forces moved in on the flank causing the platoon from Company E to receive fire from three directions. Observing this, MAJ Butler moved from the Battalion Observation Post under intense enemy fire and directed the withdrawal of the platoon from its untenable position. For his courage and leadership, MAJ Butler earned the U.S. Army's third highest award for valor, the Silver Star Medal.

Ironically, Major Butler was killed on the very same day the General Orders were issued awarding him the Silver Star for his heroism in Korea exactly one month earlier.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Silver Star Medal
Purple Heart
National Defense Service Medal
Korean Service Medal
United Nations Service Medal
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Major (Infantry) Arthur Bell Butler (ASN: 0-29783), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with the 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Major Butler distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Soi-ri, Korea, on 25 August 1950. When a Republic of Korea unit was to relieve elements of his battalion which had secured a line of departure, Major Butler while observing the relief, found that heavy enemy action was delaying the movement of the Korean unit and impeding the planned attack. He went forward despite the hostile fire to coordinate the friendly action and help press the attack. Heedless of the enemy small-arms, machine-gun and artillery fire, he moved calmly among the troops, organizing the units and inspiring the men by his courage and confidence. While continuing his mission he was mortally wounded by an enemy shell.

General Orders: Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 136 (October 26, 1950)

Silver Star Medal Citation

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 Major (Infantry) Arthur Bell Butler (ASN: 0-29783), United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in Korea. On 25 July 1950, near Sangn-yong, Korea, a platoon of enemy forces moved down a river bed and threatened the right flank of the Battalion. One reinforced platoon from Company E was deployed to counter the attack of the enemy platoon. During the ensuing action, a second platoon of enemy forces moved in on the flank causing the platoon from Company E to receive fire from three directions. Observing this, Major Butler moved from the Battalion Observation Post under intense enemy fire and directed the withdrawal of the platoon from its untenable position. Major Butler's courage and leadership are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 80 (August 25, 1950)

Burial

Major Arthur Bell Butler is buried at College Mound Cemetery in Terrell, Kaufman County, TX.