THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from your wife Mary is touching. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever...

Charles K. Butler

Distinguished Flying Cross
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
Battalion: Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364 (HMM-364)
Division: 1st Marine Aircraft Wing
GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Charles K. Butler, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (HMM-364), Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 25 August 1969, First Lieutenant Charles K. Butler launched as Wingman in a flight of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned the emergency mission of helilifting reinforcements from Landing Zone Baldy to elements of the Seventh Marines that were heavily engaged in combat with a large North Vietnamese Army Force north of Landing Zone West. Undaunted by the extremely heavy volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire directed at his aircraft from enemy positions along ridges on both sides of the landing zone, he skillfully coordinated his low-altitude approach with the firing runs of supporting gunships and boldly maneuvered his helicopter to a landing in the fire-swept area, discharging the Marines, and quickly departing the dangerous zone. Following the insertion of his second increment, he resolutely returned to the hazardous area as darkness approached and successfully disembarked his third increment. When informed that elements of a company had sustained three casualties and were blocked from rejoining their main body by a North Vietnamese Army unit which surrounded them on three sides, First Lieutenant Butler, despite total darkness, completely disregarding his own safety as he again braved the intense hostile fire to extract the embattled Marines and transport them to the command post. After delivering the casualties to the nearest medical facility and refueling his CH-46, First Lieutenant Butler responded to an urgent request for an emergency re-supply of ammunition and entered the precarious area for the fourth time to successfully deliver external loads of vital ordnance. First Lieutenant Butler's courage, superior airmanship, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were instrumental in accomplishing the hazardous mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

Charles K. Butler

Distinguished Flying Cross
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
Battalion: Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364 (HMM-364)
Division: 1st Marine Aircraft Wing
GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION:
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 First Lieutenant Charles K. Butler, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (HMM-364), Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 5 October 1969, First Lieutenant Butler launched as Section Leader of a flight of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned the mission of medically evacuating a seriously wounded Marine from an area south of DaNang. Arriving over the designated location, he observed that the site was obscured by dense cloud cover and was advised that the Marine unit on the ground had been under sporadic hostile fire. Despite these adversities, First Lieutenant Butler located a break in the clouds and commenced his approach to the landing zone, but was forced to regain altitude because of intense enemy fire. A second attempt to complete the mission was aborted due to the rapidly deteriorating weather conditions. After completing an alternate mission nearby, he learned of improved weather conditions at the initial evacuation site and, although fully aware of the possibility of encountering hostile fire, elected to extract the casualty. Disregarding the lack of supporting aircraft, he boldly commenced his approach, immediately coming under a heavy volume of fire. Undaunted by the fusillade directed at his aircraft and the restrictions imposed by the confined zone, he achieved a partial hover with only his rear wheels on the ground, fearlessly remaining in his dangerously exposed position until the wounded man was embarked. He then executed a series of evasive maneuvers and expeditiously directed his aircraft out of the hazardous area. First Lieutenant Butler's courage, superb airmanship, and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk saved the life of a fellow Marine and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

Dear Lt Charles Butler,
Thank you for your service as a HMH/M/L/A (I) - Chinook Helicopter Pilot. As another summer comes to an end, it is important for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Chip was my roommate at ECC and a fellow ROTC Cadet. After college we both decided to abandon plans for the Air Force. I went Army Special Forces and he went Marine Aviation. Rest in Peace Chip.