26 September 2010

Medal of Honor: W. R. Button

WILLIAM ROBERT BUTTON

Corporal, US Marine Corps; First Provisional Brigade of Marines (Gendarmerie d'Haiti)

Born: 3 December 1895, St Louis, Missouri
Died: 15 April 1921, St Louis, Missouri

Citation: For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in actual conflict with the enemy near Grande Riviere, Republic of Haiti, on the night of 31 October-l November 1919, resulting in the death of Charlemagne Peralte, the supreme bandit chief in the Republic of Haiti, and the killing, capture and dispersal of about 1,200 of his outlaw followers. Cpl. William R. Button not only distinguished himself by his excellent judgment and leadership but also unhesitatingly exposed himself to great personal danger when 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.


Note: 2nd Lt Herman H Hanneken also received the Medal of Honor for this action.

No comments: