John Clarence Butler
John Clarence Butler was a United States Navy officer and naval aviator who had a role in World War II's Battle of Midway. He was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously.
Biography
Butler was born in Liberty, Arizona to Walter and Irene Butler. After high school, he attended the University of California at Los Angeles and San Diego State University. He enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve on February 19, 1941, qualified for flight training, and was appointed as an Aviation Cadet on April 3.After flight training, he reported to Second Division of Bombing Squadron Three on board aircraft carrier . On 4 June 1942, Butler and his squadron attacked a Japanese task force during the Battle of Midway, and succeeded in sinking three aircraft carriers. When Bulter's squadron returned to the that night, his plane was not among them; his body was never recovered.
For his part in this attack, Butler was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.
Legacy
In 1943, the destroyer escort was named in his honor.The people of Buckeye also sought to memorialize Butler's contributions to the war effort. The Buckeye Municipal Airport named its airfield the "John C. Butler Memorial Field" in his honor. In addition, Buckeye's American Legion Hazelton-Butler Post No. 53 was named for him.
Awards and decorations
John Clarence Butler 's awards and decorations include:| Navy Cross Citation — John Clarence Butler |
| The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign John Clarence Butler, 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 THREE, attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN, during the "Air Battle of Midway," against enemy Japanese forces on 4–6 June 1942. Ensign Butler took part in dive-bombing attacks against Japanese naval forces in the Battle of Midway. Disregarding the extreme danger from intense anti-aircraft fire and enemy fighter opposition, he, vigorously and with heroic determination, pressed home his attacks against the Japanese invasion fleet. His gallant intrepidity and loyal devotion to the accomplishment of a vastly important objective contributed in large measure to the success achieved by our forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. General Orders: Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 309 Action Date: June 4–6, 1942 Service: Navy Rank: Ensign Battalion: Bombing Squadron 3 Division: U.S.S. Yorktown |