Major Smedley Darlington Butler, a Marine in the U.S. Marine Corps, received the Medal of Honor for gallantry on April 22, 1914 in Vera Cruz, Mexico during the 1914 Veracruz expedition. At the time he was serving with 3d Battalion, 2d Advanced Base Regiment. Butler was 32 years old.
13 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. He later rose to the rank of Major General. Butler is one of the few people to receive the Medal of Honor twice; see his other award (November 17, 1915).
Butler was born on July 30, 1881 in West Chester, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Butler died on June 21, 1940 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at the age of 58. He is buried at Oakland Cemetery in West Chester, Pennsylvania. His medal is held by National Museum of the US Marine Corps (Medals for both actions), Quantico, VA.
Butler is one of 56 Medal of Honor recipients from the 1914 Veracruz expedition.
Official Medal of Honor citation
First Award: For distinguished conduct in battle, engagement of Vera Cruz, 22 April 1914. Maj. Butler was eminent and conspicuous in command of his battalion. He exhibited courage and skill in leading his men through the action of the 22d and in the final occupation of the city.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
How he died
- Manner of death: natural causes
- Cause of death: cancer
- Age at death: 58
- Resting place: Oakland Cemetery
Cause and manner of death: Wikidata.
Other decorations and honors
Besides the Medal of Honor, Smedley Darlington Butler received:
Source: Wikidata. Gold chips link to our guide to that decoration.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: Mexican Revolution, Philippine–American War, Boxer Rebellion, World War I, Banana Wars, Spanish–American War.
Life beyond the battlefield
- Occupations: lecturer, activist, official, writer
- Education: The Haverford School
Source: Wikidata.
Places
Timeline
- July 30, 1881Born in West Chester, Chester County, Pennsylvania
- April 22, 1914Act of valor — Vera Cruz, MexicoAge 32. 3d Battalion, 2d Advanced Base Regiment
- June 21, 1940Died in Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAge 58.
- Resting placeOakland CemeteryWest Chester, Pennsylvania
Biography
Major General Smedley Darlington Butler (July 30, 1881 – June 21, 1940) was a United States Marine Corps officer and, later, an anti-war advocate. During his 34-year military career, he fought in the Philippine–American War, the Boxer Rebellion, the Mexican Revolution, World War I, and the Banana Wars. At the time of his death, Butler was the most decorated Marine in U.S. military history. By the end of his career, Butler had received sixteen medals, including five for heroism; he was awarded the Marine Corps Brevet Medal as well as two Medals of Honor, both for separate actions.
From the Wikipedia article “Smedley Butler”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
Named in his honor
- Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler — military base
- USS Butler — destroyer
Further reading
- Continuing Service: Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Recipientscmohs.org · 2022
- Smedley Butler’s fiery speech to World War I veterans is still relevant todaytaskandpurpose.com · 2020
