Elliot Butts
HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH AIR FORCE APO 520 US ARMY
GENERAL ORDER 2958 2 May 1945 : Awards of the Silver Star
ELLIOT W. BUTTS, JR., O-794630, First Lieutenant, 419th Bomb Sq, 301st Bomb Group. For gallantry in action as pilot of a B-17 type aircraft. On 14 February 1945, Lt. Butts suffered a severe loss of power from a malfunction during an ineffectual attack on the primary objective and during the flight to an alternate objective in Yugoslavia his aircraft received a direct hit in the waist section when a barrage of anti-aircraft fire was encountered. One member of his crew was instantly killed, others were knocked unconscious and the aircraft was so critically damaged that there appeared to be imminent danger of the tail section breaking from the fuselage of the plane. Gallantly determining to return the aircraft to home station despite the condition when informed of the inability of the crew to reach the unconscious tail gunner and the destruction of two parachutes in the explosion of the shell, Lt. Butts displayed the highest order of professional skill, superb pilotage and heroic regard for the safety of his crew, fully cognizant of the fact that he would be unable to abandon the plane should the severely weakened tail section break away from the aircraft. Unable to use the rudder or trim controls, Lt. Butts maintained the plane within the protective elements of the formation throughout the flight through enemy territory, affecting a skillful landing without further injury to the crew. The courageous, competent manner in which Lt. Butts met and overcame a series of most serious emergencies, the heroic, considerate decision to undertake the long, hazardous flight to friendly territory in a so badly damaged aircraft and his masterful exhibition of airmanship have upheld the highest traditions of the Military Service, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States of America. Residence at appointment: Jacksonville, Florida.
BY COMMAND OF MAJOR GENERAL TWINING
R. K. TAYLOR, Colonel, GSC, Chief of Staff
J. M. IVINS Colonel, AGD, Adjutant General.
* Note: Transcribed from a copy of the original document. Original document quality too poor to show. **Note: The tail broke off during the roll after landing.....
Capt. Elliot W Butts Jr was assigned to the 301st BG 419th Squadron.
Military Occupational Specialty (MOS): Pilot.
The following information on Elliot Butts is gathered and extracted from military records. We have many documents and copies of documents, including military award documents. It is from these documents that we have found this information on Capt. Butts. These serviceman's records are nowhere near complete and we are always looking for more material. If you can help add to Elliot Butts's military record please contact us.
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Rank |
General Order |
Date |
Notes |
Award |
Ribbon & Device |
Elliot Butts |
1st Lt |
32 |
01/02/1945 |
|
AM |
|
Elliott Butts |
1st Lt |
1487 |
03/17/1945 |
|
AM/OLC |
|
Elliot Butts |
1st Lt. |
2958 |
05/02/1945 |
|
SS |
|
Elliot Butts |
Capt |
3395 |
05/24/1945 |
|
AM/2OLC |
|
Elliot Butts |
Capt |
3440 |
05/25/1945 |
|
DFC |
|
2 May 1945 General Order 2958 Silver Star 3/17/1945 General Orders 1487 Air Medal 11/17/1944 Elliot is on a list of original crews and when they were assigned to the 419th Bomb Squadron of the 301st Bombardment Group.
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