It is urged that Maj. Smedley D. Butler be given a medal of honor for his conspicuous bravery during the assault on Fort Riviere. Two men entered ahead of him, doing so to prevent him from being the first. Theirs was devotion to him, while his action was devotion to duty. The assault inside the fort was made by 23 men with the knowledge that no quarter would be given them.
Corporal, United States Marine Corps. "For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in actual conflict with the enemy near Grande Riviere, Republic of Haiti, on the night of October 31-November 1, 1919, resulting in the death of Charlemange Peralte, the supreme bandit chief in the Republic of Haiti, and the killing and capture and dispersal of about 1,200 of his outlaw followers. Corpl. William R. Button not only distinguished himself by his excellent judgment and leadership but unhesitatingly exposed himself to great personal danger; and the slightest error would have forfeited not only his life but the lives of the detachments of gendarmerie under his command. The successful termination of his mission will undoubtedly prove of untold value to the Republic of Haiti." (G.O. 536, June 10, 1920.)
Gunner's mate on board of the U.S.S. _Signal_, which vessel was attacked by field batteries and sharpshooters and destroyed in Red River May 5, 1864. "He was on the sick list, but did duty during the whole of the engagement." (G.O. 45, December 31, 1864.)
Boatswain's mate; first captain of 9-inch gun on board of the U.S.S. _Louisville_; "especially commended for his attention to duty, bravery, and coolness in action." Promoted to acting master's mate. (G.O. 11, April 3, 1863.)
Seaman, serving on board the U.S.S. _Petrel_, for heroism and gallantry, fearlessly exposing his own life to danger for the saving of others on the occasion of the fire on board said vessel March 31, 1901. (G.O. 85, March 22, 1902.)
Private, United States Marine Corps, for distinguished conduct in the presence of the enemy in the advance on Tientsin June 21, 1900. (G.O. 55, July 19, 1901.)
Private, United States Marine Corps, serving on board the U.S.S. _Marblehead_, for extraordinary bravery and coolness while cutting the cables leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, May 11, 1898, under a heavy fire of the enemy. (G.O. 521, July 7, 1899.)