John A. Butler

John Augustus Butler (September 30, 1910 – March 5, 1945) was a highly decorated United States Marine Corps lieutenant colonel. He was killed in action during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II and was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.

Early life and career John A. Butler was born on September 30, 1910, in New Orleans, Louisiana. After graduating from high school, he attended Loyola University for two years before he accepted an appointment to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. Upon graduating with the class of 1934, Butler was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps. He then attended the Basic School at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania until April 1935.

Butler was then assigned to the Marine detachment aboard the USS Trenton. The Trenton was permanently based out of Panama with the Special Service Squadron. Butler quickly became fluent in Spanish and was often sent ashore to coordinate port calls. He also served aboard the USS Memphis and USS Omaha during this time. That May, Butler was promoted to captain.

Battle of Iwo Jima On February 19, 1945, Butler led his battalion ashore with the fourth wave at Red Beach Two during the battle of Iwo Jima. Under heavy fire, Butler led his Marines 150 yards inland, setting up his battalion command post on top of a blockhouse which was occupied by the enemy. Butler then coordinated his men in assaulting Motoyama Airfield Number One. While the left assault company circled the southern edge of the airfield, the right assault company became pinned down by heavy fire. Butler moved forward from his command post to the base of the airfield, where he directed his right assault company in moving forward. Butler's leadership resulted in the capture of the southern portion of the airfield by the end of February 20.

On February 22, the 27th Marines were subjected to rain and artillery fire the entire day, before the regiment was placed in the division reserve. On February 27, the regiment rotated back to the front line, becoming the main assault force during the battle for Hill 362A. Butler led his battalion in a fierce battle for control of Hill 362A for the next two days. C Company advanced just short of the summit, taking heavy casualties. A Company relieved the battered C Company and repelled a Japanese counterattack. On March 1, the 27th Marines again rotated to the division reserve, and Hill 362A was eventually captured by the 26th and 28th Marines after another day of intense fighting. For his actions during the battle of Iwo Jima, Butler was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.