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Video by Spc. Jennifer Posy

Medal of Honor 2LT John E. Butts

5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

March 20, 2025 | 0:33

On this day, we honor the legacy of 2nd Lt. John E. Butts who bravely and courageously fought in Normandy, France, in 1944. For his courageous acts of valor during world war II, he was presented with the medal of honor.

(Citation)
Heroically led his platoon against the enemy in Normandy, France, on 14, 16, and 23 June, 1944. Although painfully wounded on the 14th near Orglandes and again on the 16th while spearheading an attack to establish a bridgehead across the Douve River, he refused medical aid and remained with his platoon. A week later, near Flottemanville Hague, he led an assault on a tactically important and stubbornly defended hill studded with tanks, anti tank guns, pillboxes, and machine gun emplacements, all protected by concentrated artillery and mortar fire. As the attack was launched, 2nd Lt. Butts, at the head of his platoon, was critically wounded by German machine gun fire. Although weakened by his injuries, he rallied his men and directed 1 squad to make a flanking movement while he alone made a frontal assault to draw the hostile fire upon himself. Once more he was struck, but by grim determination and sheer courage continued to crawl ahead. When within 10 yards of his objective, he was killed by direct fire. By his superb courage, unflinching valor and inspiring actions, 2nd Lt. Butts enabled his platoon to take a formidable strong point and contributed greatly to the success of his battalion’s mission. (U.S. Army Video by Spc. Jennifer Posy)