Serving as a sailor in the U.S. Navy, Gunner's Mate George Butts received the Medal of Honor for his actions on May 5, 1864 at Red River, Louisiana during the Civil War. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Signal. Butts was about 26 years old.
13 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day.
Butts was born in 1838 in Rome, Oneida County, New York. His Medal of Honor is credited to Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio. Butts died on February 17, 1902 in Danville, Illinois, at the age of about 64. He is buried at Ridgelawn Cemetery in Elyria, Ohio.
Butts is one of 1,525 Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War and one of 256 credited to Ohio.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Served on board the U.S.S. Signal, Red River, 5 May 1864. Proceeding up the Red River, the U.S.S. Signal engaged a large force of enemy field batteries and sharpshooters, returning their fire until the ship was totally disabled, at which time the white flag was raised. Although entered on the sick list, Butts courageously carried out his duties during the entire engagement.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: Red River campaign.
Places
Timeline
- 1838Born in Rome, Oneida County, New York
- May 5, 1864Act of valor — Red River, LouisianaAge about 26. U.S.S. Signal
- February 17, 1902Died in Danville, IllinoisAge about 64.
- Resting placeRidgelawn CemeteryElyria, Ohio
Biography
Gunner's Mate George Butts (1838 – February 17, 1902) was an American soldier who fought in the American Civil War. Butts received the country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action aboard the USS Signal during the Red River Campaign on 6 May 1864. He was honored with the award on 31 December 1864.
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