Smedley D. Butler’s Second Medal of Honor citation

The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pleasure in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to

MAJOR

SMEDLEY DARLINGTON BUTLER

MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor (Second Award) to Major Smedley Darlington Butler, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in action as Commanding Officer of detachments from the 5th, 13th, 23d Companies and the Marine and Sailor Detachment from the U.S.S. CONNECTICUT, Major Butler led the attack on Fort Riviere, Haiti, on 17 November 1915. Following a concentrated drive, several different detachments of Marines gradually closed in on the old French bastion fort in an effort to cut off all avenues of retreat for the Caco bandits. Reaching the fort on the southern side where there was a small opening in the wall, Major Butler gave the signal to attack and Marines from the 15th Company poured through the breach, engaged the Cacos in hand-to-hand combat, took the bastion and crushed the Caco resistance. Throughout this perilous action, Major Butler was conspicuous for his bravery and forceful leadership.

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Born: July 30, 1881 in West Chester, Pa…. Departed: June 21, 1940… When war broke out between the United States and Spain, a 16-year-old Butler lied to recruiters about his age and received a commission in the Marine Corps in 1898… One of two Marines to be awarded two Medals of Honor for two separate engagements… Also awarded the Marine Corps Brevet Medal – which is comparable to the Medal of Honor, and both the Army and Navy Distinguished Service Medals… Served during the the Spanish-American War, the Philippines, Boxer Rebellion, Banana Wars, Mexican Revolution, and World War I… Retired as Major General in 1931… Interred: Oaklands Cemetery in West Chester, Pa.